The Use of Tantalum Porous Metal Implants for Paprosky 3A and 3B Defects

Complex acetabular defects are difficult to reconstruct. For severe pelvic defects, tantalum metal acetabular implants may provide a viable solution over traditional implants. This short-term follow-up reviews 43 acetabular revisions treated with tantalum acetabular implants. These revisions included 33 Paprosky type 3A defects, involving 30% to 50% of host acetabulum loss, and 10 type 3B defects, having similar or greater bone loss with a pelvic discontinuity. Tantulum acetabular modular augments were used in 26 cases to support the shell. At a mean of 2.8 years’ follow-up, 42 components were stable, and 1 failed because of septic loosening. The overall success rate was 98%. One revision was performed because of loosening secondary to sepsis; none were performed for aseptic loosening. Implants made from highly porous tantalum metal provide a surface that is highly conducive to bone ingrowth. Combined with the ability to use modular augments for added support and stability, this technology may change the way major defects are reconstructed.