The use of porous tantalum for the acetabular component in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has demonstrated excellent short-term and midterm results. However, long-term data are scarce. The purpose of this prospective study is to report the long-term clinical and radiologic outcome following use of an uncemented porous tantalum acetabular component in primary THA with a minimum follow-up of 17.5 years, in a previously studied cohort of patients.
We prospectively followed 128 consecutive primary THAs in 140 patients, between November 1997 and June 1999. A press-fit porous tantalum monoblock acetabular component was used in all cases. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a mean of 18.1 years (range, 17.5-19 years).
Mean age of patients at the time of operation was 60.4 years. Harris hip score, Oxford hip score, and range of motion were dramatically improved in all cases (P < .001). At last follow-up, all cups were radiographically stable with no evidence of migration, gross polyethylene wear, progressive radiolucencies, osteolytic lesions, or acetabular fractures. The survivorship with reoperation for any reason as end point was 92.8% and the survivorship for aseptic loosening as an end point was 100%.
The porous tantalum monoblock cup in primary THA demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes with no failures because of aseptic loosening at a mean follow-up of 18.1 years.