Outcome of Porous Tantalum Acetabular Components for Paprosky Type 3 and 4 Acetabular Defects

Porous tantalum acetabular implants provide a potential solution for dealing with significant acetabular bone loss. This study reviews 24 acetabular revisions using tantalum implants for Paprosky type 3 and 4 defects. The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 35 ± 19 (range, 4–71) to 88 ± 14 (range, 41–100), p < 0.0001. Postoperative radiographs showed radiolucent lines in 14 hips with a mean width of 1.3 ± 1.0 mm (range, 0.27–4.37 mm). No gaps enlarged and 71% of them disappeared at a mean of 13 ± 10 months (range, 3–29 months). At a mean follow-up of 37 ± 14 months (range, 24–66 months), 22 reconstructions showed radiograpic evidence of osseointegration (92%). The two failures were secondary to septic loosening. When dealing with severe acetabular bone loss, porous tantalum acetabular components show promising short-term results.