Aims. Severe acetabular bone loss and pelvic discontinuity (PD) present particular challenges in revision total hip arthroplasty. To deal with such complex situations, cup-cage reconstruction has emerged as an option for treating this situation. We aimed to examine our success in using this technique for these anatomical problems. Patients and Methods. We undertook a retrospective, single-centre series of 35 hips in 34 patients (seven male, 27 female) treated with a cup-cage construct using a trabecular metal shell in conjunction with a titanium cage, for severe acetabular bone loss between 2011 and 2015. The mean age at the time of surgery was 70 years (42 to 85) and all patients had an acetabular defect graded as Paprosky Type 2C through to 3B, with 24 hips (69%) having PD. The mean follow-up was 47 months (25 to 84). Results. The cumulative five-year survivorship of the implant with revision for any cause was 89% (95% confidence interval (CI) 72 to 96) with eight hips at risk. No revision was required for aseptic loosening; however, one patient with one hip (3%) required removal of the ischial flange of the cage due to sciatic nerve irritation. Two patients (6%; two hips) suffered from hip dislocation, whereas one patient (one hip) required revision surgery with cement fixation of a dual-mobility acetababular component into a well-fixed cup-cage construct. Two patients (6%; two hips) developed periprosthetic infection. One patient was successfully controlled with a two-stage revision surgery, while the other patient underwent excision arthroplasty due to severe medical comorbidities. For the whole series, the Harris Hip Score significantly improved from a mean of 30 (15 to 51) preoperatively to 71 (40 to 89) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that cup-cage reconstruction is a viable option for major segmental bone defects involving the posterior column and PD. It allows adequate restoration of the acetabulum centre with generally good stability and satisfactory postoperative function. Instability and infection remain drawbacks in these challenging revision cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1442–48

Aims. The aims of this study were to determine the success of a reconstruction algorithm used in major acetabular bone loss, and to further define the indications for custom-made implants in major acetabular bone loss. Methods. We reviewed a consecutive series of Paprosky type III acetabular defects treated according to a reconstruction algorithm. IIIA defects were planned to use a superior augment and hemispherical acetabular component. IIIB defects were planned to receive either a hemispherical acetabular component plus augments, a cup-cage reconstruction, or a custom-made implant. We used national digital health records and registry reports to identify any reoperation or re-revision procedure and Oxford Hip Score (OHS) for patient-reported outcomes. Implant survival was determined via Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results. A total of 105 procedures were carried out in 100 patients (five bilateral) with a mean age of 73 years (42 to 94). In the IIIA defects treated, 72.0% (36 of 50) required a porous metal augment; the remaining 14 patients were treated with a hemispherical acetabular component alone. In the IIIB defects, 63.6% (35 of 55) underwent reconstruction as planned with 20 patients who actually required a hemispherical acetabular component alone. At mean follow-up of 7.6 years, survival was 94.3% (95% confidence interval 97.4 to 88.1) for all-cause revision and the overall dislocation rate was 3.8% (4 of 105). There was no difference observed in survival between type IIIA and type IIIB defects and whether a hemispherical implant alone was used for the reconstruction or not. The mean gain in OHS was 16 points. Custom-made implants were only used in six cases, in patients with either a mega-defect in which the anteroposterior diameter > 80 mm, complex pelvic discontinuity, and massive bone loss in a small pelvis. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that a reconstruction algorithm can provide a successful approach to reconstruction in major acetabular bone loss. The use of custom implants has been defined in this series and accounts for < 5% of cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):47–53

Contemporary acetabular reconstruction in major acetabular bone loss often involves the use of porous metal augments, a cup-cage construct or custom implant. The aims of this study were: To determine the reproducibility of a reconstruction algorithm in major acetabular bone loss. To determine the subsequent success of reconstruction performed in terms of re-operation, all-cause revision and Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and to further define the indications for custom implants in major acetabular bone loss. Consecutive series of Paprosky Type III defects treated according to a reconstruction algorithm. IIIA defects were planned to use a superior augment and hemispherical cup. IIIB defects were planned to receive either augment and cup, cup-cage or custom implant. 105 procedures in cohort 100 patients (5 bilateral) with mean age 73 years (42–94). IIIA defects (50 cases) − 72.0% (95%CI 57.6–82.1) required a porous metal augment the remainder treated with a hemispherical cup alone. IIIB defects (55 cases) 71.7% (95%CI 57.6–82.1) required either augments or cup-cage. 20 patients required a hemispherical cup alone and 6 patients received a custom-made implant. Mean follow up of 7.6 years. 6 re-revisions were required (4 PJI, 2 peri-prosthetic fractures & 1 recurrent instability) with overall survivorship of 94.3% (95% CI 97.4–88.1) for all cause revision. Single event dislocations occurred in 3 other patients so overall dislocation rate 3.8%. Mean pre-op OHS 13.8 and mean follow-up OHS 29.8. Custom implants were used in: Mega-defects where AP diameter >80mm, complex discontinuity and massive bone loss in a small pelvis (i.e., unable to perform cup-cage). A reconstruction algorithm can >70% successfully predict revision construct which thereafter is durable with a low risk of re-operation. Jumbo cup utilized <1/3 of cases when morphology allowed. The use of custom implants has been well defined in this series and accounts for <5% of cases

The advent of modular porous metal augments has ushered in a new form of treatment for acetabular bone loss. The function of an augment can be seen as reducing the size of a defect or reconstituting the anterosuperior/posteroinferior columns and/or allowing supplementary fixation. Depending on the function of the augment, the surgeon can decide on the sequence of introduction of the hemispherical shell, before or after the augment. Augments should always, however, be used with cement to form a unit with the acetabular component. Given their versatility, augments also allow the use of a hemispherical shell in a position that restores the centre of rotation and biomechanics of the hip. Progressive shedding or the appearance of metal debris is a particular finding with augments and, with other radiological signs of failure, should be recognized on serial radiographs. Mid- to long-term outcomes in studies reporting the use of augments with hemispherical shells in revision total hip arthroplasty have shown rates of survival of > 90%. However, a higher risk of failure has been reported when augments have been used for patients with chronic pelvic discontinuity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):312–318

Hemispheric, porous-ingrowth revision acetabular components (generally with multiple screw fixation) have demonstrated versatility and durability over 25 years. Jumbo cups (minimum diameter of 62mm in women, 66mm in men, or 10mm larger than the normal contralateral acetabulum) are utilised in the majority of revisions with acetabular bone loss, with or without bone grafting, or other augmentation. The popularity of jumbo cups is due to their relative ease of use and the reliability of the result. With up to 20-year follow-up, and failure defined as cup revision for aseptic loosening or radiographic evidence of loosening, implant survival was 97.3% (95% confidence interval, 89.6% to 99.3%) at ten years and 82.8% (95% CI, 59% to 97.6%) at fifteen years. Twenty-year survivorship with 88% free from aseptic loosening of the metal acetabular component has been reported. Instability is decreased in association with larger diameter bearings. Revisions associated with wear of non-crosslinked polyethylene increased in the second decade. Crosslinked polyethylene and ultra-porous materials will likely increase both the durability and the utility of jumbo cups

Purpose:. Acetabular bone loss during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) poses a challenge for reconstruction as segmental and extensive cavitary defects require structural support to achieve prosthesis stability. Trabecular metal (TM) acetabular augments structurally support hemispherical cups. Positive short-term results have been encouraging, but mid- to long-term results are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the continued efficacy of TM augments in THA revisions with significant pelvic bone loss. Methods:. Radiographs and medical records of 51 patients who had undergone THA revision with the use of a TM augment were retrospectively reviewed. Acetabular defects were graded according to the Paprosky classification of acetabular deficiencies based on preoperative radiographs and operative findings. Loosening was defined radiographically as a gross change in cup position, change in the abduction angle (>5°), or change in the vertical position of the acetabular component (>8 mm) between initial postoperative and most recent follow-up radiographs (Figure 1). Results:. Eleven patients had incomplete radiographic follow-up and were excluded. The study population included 17 men and 23 women, averaging 68.1 ± 14.1 years of age (range, 37–91), with average radiographic follow-up of 19.0 months (range, 2.4–97.4). Reasons for revision included osteolysis (n = 20, 38.5%), component loosening (n = 18, 15.4%), and periprosthetic fracture (n = 6, 11.5%). All patients underwent revision THA using a TM multi-hole revision acetabular cup and TM acetabular augment(s) to fill bony defects. Morcellized allograft was used in 9 patients. There were 33 Paprosky Type IIIA and seven Paprosky Type IIIB defects. One patient with Paprosky Type IIIB had catastrophic failure of the reconstructive construct three months postoperatively. The remaining 39 acetabular revisions demonstrated signs of bony ingrowth at the latest follow-up. There were no radiolucent lines suggestive of loosening, and no significant differences in abduction angle (p = 0.78), vertical distance between the superolateral edge of the cup and the trans-ischial reference line (p = 0.96), or the vertical distance between the center of the femoral head and trans-ischial reference line (p = 0.75) between the initial postoperative and most recent follow-up radiographs (Figure 2). Discussion and Conclusion:. Achieving fixation and long-term stability in THA revisions with segmental and/or cavitary bone loss is challenging. TM augments provide a modular structural system to achieve bony ingrowth, while avoiding large structural allografts, cages, and custom implants. At latest follow-up, 39 revision hips remained well-fixed with no evidence of loosening. One patient with a significant surgical history of infection, periprosthetic femur fracture, and 2 prior revision surgeries before acetabular reconstruction had an early clinical failure. Trabecular metal augments can be used for reconstruction of acetabular bone loss with good mid-term results. Continued follow-up is warranted for radiographic evaluation of bony integration and implant stability to determine long-term survivorship of these implants

Introduction: Treatment of acetabular defects can be difficult, especially in case of roof destruction. Since 9 years, we use a variant of Paprosky’s technique which consists in rebuilding the roof by structural allograft and acetabular reinforcement ring. The purpose of this study is to present this technique and the follow up results. Patients: This retrospective study concerns 21 patients (23 hips) with severe acetabular bone loss (8 cases of stage 2 and 15 cases of stage 3 of Paprosky): 4 septical and 19 aseptical loosening. Between 1998 and 2005, all patients were operated with the same surgical technique using an allogeneic structural allograft (femoral head or distal femur) and an acetabular reinforcement ring (20 of KERBOULL, 3 of GANZ) associated with a cemented PE cup. Method: Review included a clinical and X-ray evaluation (analysis of the refocusing of the hip, the positioning and the stability of implants and the graft incorporation). Results: Mean duration of follow-up is 3,5 years [1–8,3]. Preoperative PMA score rised from 6,6 [0–12] to 15,8 [12–18] in postoperative. There was no peroperative complication. After surgery, 2 cases of early hip dislocation required PE block; 2 cases of sepsis were treated, one by washing and one by a surgical revision. In 60% of cases, immediate total weight bearing was allowed. The immediate postoperative X-rays showed that the rotation center of the hip was 5,2 mm [0–10] far from the ideal rotation center (26% of cases: 0 mm) and the PE cup was implanted with a lateral inclination of 42,5° [30–55]. In postoperative X-ray follow up, one case of acetabular aseptic loosening was found which didn’t need hip revision. In all other cases no modification of implants position neither of hip rotation center was noted. In 79% of cases, we had total graft incorporation; in 17% of cases, an non evolutive radiolucent area between graft and bone and in 4% of cases (loosening) a graft migration. Conclusion: The use of a structural allograft combined with acetabular reinforcement ring allows hip reconstruction in severe acetabular bone loss with good medium term results

Aims

Pelvic discontinuity is a rare but increasingly common complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This single-centre study evaluated the performance of custom-made triflange acetabular components in acetabular reconstruction with pelvic discontinuity by determining: 1) revision and overall implant survival rates; 2) discontinuity healing rate; and 3) Harris Hip Score (HHS).

Introduction: The management of periprosthetic osteolysis is a challenging problem in revision hip arthroplasty. Filling acetabular bone defects with structural allografts resulted in early failure due to resorption of the graft. The application in combination with reinforcement rings should promote bone incorporation as a result of reduced mechanical stresses. This study evaluates the long-term results in the treatment of acetabular deficiencies using bulk allografts supported with a Burch-Schneider Anti-Protrusio Cage (APC). Materials and Methods: From January 1992 to December 1995, 69 consecutive patients underwent revision surgery following periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening of the cup. Acetabular bone loss included IIIA and IIIB types according to Paproski classification. 12 patients died for unrelated causes with a well-functioning total hip arthroplasty in situ. 3 cases were lost at follow-up. The study group consisted of 56 hips in 54 patients. There were 11 males and 43 females, aged from 33 to 84 years (medium 65). Average follow-up was 11.7 years, ranging from 10 to 14.4. Surgical procedure included filling acetabular bone defects with bulk allografts supported with a Burch-Schneider APC which was fixed with screws to the iliac bone. A poly-ethylene cup was finally cemented into the metal cage. Deambulation was allowed one week after surgery, but weightbearing was delayed two months. Clinical evaluation was determined using Harris hip score (HHS). The stability of the acetabular implant was assessed according to Gill criteria. The progression of the bone graft was evaluated using Gross grading. Results: 2 patients developed deep infection that was treated by resection-arthroplasty. Aseptic loosening of acetabular cage following an extensive resorption of bone graft was observed in 6 cases and 3 of them underwent rerevision. X-ray signs of graft incorporation occurred in 48 hips. Average HHS values of 30 (range, 11 to 81) and 75 (range, 28 to 100) points were assessed respectively in the preoperative time and at follow-up. Discussion and Conclusions: In severe acetabular bone deficiencies the application of reinforcement rings in combination with massive allografts has been advocated in order to prevent bone graft resorption and cup loosening. Burch-Schneider Anti-Protrusio Cage is able to protect the graft spanning bone defects and promoting augmentation of periprosthetic bone stock. With an aseptic failure rate of 8.9% and a total survival rate of 85.7% at an average of 11.7 years, the use of APC and structural allograft proved out to be an effective procedure in the long-term reconstructive treatment of extensive loss of acetabular bone stock

Porous-coated acetabular hemispherical components have proven successful in all but the most severe revision acetabular defects. A revision jumbo porous coated component has been defined as a cup with minimum diameter of 66mm in men and 62mm in women. In published studies this size cup is used in 14–39% of acetabular revisions. The advantages of this technique are ease of use, most deficiencies can be treated without structural graft, host bone contact with the porous surface is maximised, and the hip center is generally normal. Jumbo cups are typically used in Paprosky Type 2, 3A, and many 3B defects. Requirements for success include circumferential acetabular exposure, an intact posterior column, and much of the posterior wall. The cup should be stable with a press-fit between the ischium and anterior superior acetabulum with the addition of some superior lateral support. Additional support is provided with multiple dome or rim screws. Survivorship of the metal shell with revision for any reason has been reported to be 80%-96% at time frames from 15–20 years. The most common post-operative complication is dislocation.

Uncontained acetabular defects with loss of superior iliac and posterior column support (Paprosky 3B) represent a reconstructive challenge as the deficient bone will preclude the use of a conventional hemispherical cup. Such defects can be addressed with large metallic constructs like cages with and without allograft, custom tri-flange cups, and more recently with trabecular metal augments. An underutilised alternative is impaction bone grafting, after creating a contained cavitary defect with a reinforcement mesh. This reconstructive option delivers a large volume of bone while using a small-size socket fixed with acrylic cement.

Between 2006 and 2014, sixteen patients with a Paprosky 3B acetabular defect were treated with cancellous, fresh frozen impaction grafting supported by a peripheral reinforcement mesh secured to the pelvis with screws. A cemented all polyethylene cup was used. Preoperative diagnosis was aseptic loosening (10 cemented and 6 non-cemented). The femoral component was revised in 9 patients. Postoperative course consisted of 3 months of protected weight bearing. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically.

One patient had an incomplete postoperative sciatic palsy. After a mean follow up of 40 months (24 to 104) none of the patients required re-revision. One asymptomatic patient presented with aseptic loosening 9 years postoperatively. Hardware failure was not observed. All patients had radiographic signs of graft incorporation and bone remodeling. There were no dislocations.

The early and mid-term results of revisions for large acetabular defects with this technique are encouraging. Reconstitution of hip center of rotation and bone stock with the use of a small-size implant make this technique an attractive option for these large defects. Longer follow-up is needed to assess survivability.

Impaction grafting is an excellent option for acetabular revision. It is technique specific and very popular in England and the Netherlands and to some degree in other European centers. The long term published results are excellent. It is, however, technique dependent and the best results are for contained cavitary defects. If the defect is segmental and can be contained by a single mesh and impaction grafting, the results are still quite good. If, however, there is a larger segmental defect of greater than 50% of the acetabulum or a pelvic discontinuity, other options should be considered.

Segmental defects of 25–50% can be managed by minor column (shelf) or figure of 7 structural allografts with good long term results. Porous metal augments are now a good option with promising early to mid-term results. Segmental defects of greater than 50% require a structural graft or porous augment usually protected by a cage. If there is an associated pelvic discontinuity then a cup cage is a better solution.

An important question is does impaction grafting facilitate rerevision surgery? There is no evidence to support this but some histological studies of impacted allograft would suggest that it may. On the other hand there are papers that show that structural allografts do restore bone stock for further revision surgery. Also the results of impaction grafting are best in the hands of surgeons comfortable with using cement on the acetabular side, and one of the reasons why this technique is not as popular in North America.

Introduction: The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that revision total hip arthoplasty in cases with extensive acetabular bone defects performed with a newly developed, conical, titanium, ribbed shaft socket designed for cementless press-fit into the dorsocranial ilium would not demonstrate inferior outcomes using literature controls.

Methods: 38 consecutive hips had an acetabular revision with a pedestal cup. All of the patients had a type IIIa or IIIb defect according the Paprosky-classification. There was an average follow-up of 4.2 years, with a range of 3 to 6 years. Two patients died, one patient was lost to follow-up. All patients were evaluated radiographically, by CT-Scan and clinically.

Results: At the time of follow-up, 32 (91.4%) cups were stable. Aseptic loosenings occured in one case, septic loosenings occured in 2 cases. The average Harris Hip Score improved from 43 points (range: 16–78 points) preoperatively to 82 points (range 56–98 points) postoperatively. Complications included four dislocations without recurrency. The guide instrument facilitates correct anchorage in the dorsal ilium in all cases.

Conclusion: The presented findings show the short-term efficancy of the procedure with respect to implant fixation and clinical results in large acetabular defects, but longer follow-ups and a larger number of patients are needed before the durability of this reconstructive technique can be assessed. The implant allows restoration of the correct centre of rotation, equalization of leg length and optimization of the strength of the hip abductors. Our results should be considered encouraging.

Aim

To introduce and promote a new technic and a new component using the 3D technology in the extreme acetabular revisions.

Pelvic discontinuity with associated bone loss is a complex challenge in acetabular revision surgery. Reconstruction using ilio-ischial cages combined with trabecular metal acetabular components and morsellised bone (the component-cage technique) is a relatively new method of treatment.

We reviewed a consecutive series of 26 cases of acetabular revision reconstructions in 24 patients with pelvic discontinuity who had been treated by the component-cage technique. The mean follow-up was 44.6 months (24 to 68). Failure was defined as migration of a component of > 5 mm.

In 23 hips (88.5%) there was no clinical or radiological evidence of loosening at the last follow-up. The mean Harris hip score improved significantly from 46.6 points (29.5 to 68.5) to 76.6 points (55.5 to 92.0) at two years (p < 0.001). In three hips (11.5%) the construct had migrated at one year after operation. The complications included two dislocations, one infection and one partial palsy of the peroneal nerve.

Our findings indicate that treatment of pelvic discontinuity using the component-cage construct is a reliable option.

Aims

The use of a porous metal shell supported by two augments with the ‘footing’ technique is one solution to manage Paprosky IIIB acetabular defects in revision total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term implant survival and radiological and clinical outcomes of this technique.

Purpose: Pelvic discontinuity associated with bone loss is a complex challenge in acetabular revision surgery. Reconstruction with anti protrusion cages, Trabecular Metal (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana) cups and morselized bone (Cup-Cage) constructs is a relatively new technique used by the authors for the past 6 years. The purpose of the study was to examine the clinical outcome of these patients.

Method: Thirty-two consecutive acetabular revision reconstructions in 30 patients with pelvic discontinuity and bone loss treated by cup cage technique between January 2003 and September 2007 were reviewed. Average clinical and radiological follow up was 38.5 ± 19 months (range 12 – 68, median 34.5). Failure was defined as component migration > 5mm.

Results: In 29 (90.6%) patients there was no clinical or radiographic evidence indicative of loosening at latest follow up. Harris Hip Scores improved significantly (p< 0.001) from 46.6 ± 10.4 to 78.7 ± 10.4 at 2 year follow up. In 3 patients the construct migrated at 1 year post surgery. One construct was revised to anti protrusion cage with a structural graft while the other was revised to a large Trabecular Metal cup. The third patient is scheduled for revision. Complications included 2 dislocations, 1 infection and 1 partial peroneal nerve palsy. Two patients died due to unrelated reasons at 1 and 3 years post surgery, respectively.

Conclusion: Treatment of pelvic discontinuity by Cup-Cage construct is a reliable option based on preliminary results which suggest restoration of the pelvic mechanical stability. However, patients should be followed closely in order to detect cup migration until satisfactory bony ingrowth into the cup takes place.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the results of the acetabular distraction technique in achieving implantation of a stable construct, obtaining biological fixation, and producing healing of chronic pelvic discontinuity at revision total hip arthroplasty.

Aims

The use of trabecular metal (TM) shells supported by augments has provided good mid-term results after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a bony defect of the acetabulum. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term implant survivorship and radiological and clinical outcomes after acetabular revision using this technique.

The use of ilioischial cage reconstruction for pelvic discontinuity has been replaced by the Trabecular Metal (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana) cup-cage technique in our institution, due to the unsatisfactory outcome of using a cage alone in this situation. We report the outcome of 26 pelvic discontinuities in 24 patients (20 women and four men, mean age 65 years (44 to 84)) treated by the cup-cage technique at a mean follow-up of 82 months (12 to 113) and compared them with a series of 19 pelvic discontinuities in 19 patients (18 women and one man, mean age 70 years (42 to 86)) treated with a cage at a mean follow-up of 69 months (1 to 170). The clinical and radiological outcomes as well as the survivorship of the groups were compared. In all, four of the cup-cage group (15%) and 13 (68%) of the cage group failed due to septic or aseptic loosening. The seven-year survivorship was 87.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 71 to 103) for the cup-cage group and 49.9% (95% CI 15 to 84) for the cage-alone group (p = 0.009). There were four major complications in the cup-cage group and nine in the cage group. Radiological union of the discontinuity was found in all successful cases in the cup-cage group and three of the successful cage cases. Three hips in the cup-cage group developed early radiological migration of the components, which stabilised with a successful outcome.

Cup-cage reconstruction is a reliable technique for treating pelvic discontinuity in mid-term follow-up and is preferred to ilioischial cage reconstruction. If the continuity of the bone graft at the discontinuity site is not disrupted, early migration of the components does not necessarily result in failure.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:195–200.