Between November 1997 and December 2000 we performed 27 total hip replacements in 22 patients with high congenital dislocation of the hip using porous tantalum monoblock acetabular components implanted in the true acetabular bed. Clinical and radiological evaluation was performed at regular intervals for a mean of 10.2 years (8.5 to 12). The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 48.3 (15 to 65) pre-operatively to 89.5 (56 to 100) at the final follow-up. The mean Oxford Hip Score was 49.5 (35 to 59) pre-operatively and decreased to 21.2 (12 to 48) at one year and 15.2 (10 to 28) at final follow-up. Migration of the acetabular component was assessed with the EBRA software system. There was a mean migration of 0.68 mm (0.49 to 0.8) in the first year and a mean 0.89 mm (0.6 to 0.98) in the second year, after excluding one initial excessive migration. No revision was necessary for any reason, no acetabular component became loose, and no radiolucent lines were observed at the final follow-up.

The porous tantalum monoblock acetabular component is an implant offering adequate initial stability in conjunction with a modulus of elasticity and porosity close to that of cancellous bone. It favours bone ingrowth, leading to good mid-term results.