Porous tantalum is a highly osteoinductive biomaterial, initially introduced in orthopedics in 1997, with a subsequent rapid evolution of orthopedic applications. The use of porous tantalum for the acetabular component in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has demonstrated excellent short-term and mid-term results. However, long term data are scarce. The purpose of this prospective study is to report the long-term clinical and radiological 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. The presence of initial gaps in the polar region, as sign of incomplete seating of the monoblock cup, was assessed on the immediate postoperative radiographs. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically at 6, 12, and 24 weeks and 12 months and then at 2, 5, 8, 10, and 19 years, for a mean of 18.1 years (range 17.5 – 19 years). Periacetabular dome gap filling, acetabular cup migration and polyethylene wear were assessed by the EBRA digital measurement system, until 2 years postoperatively.

Mean age of patients at the time of operation was 60.4 years old (range 24 – 72). Harris hip score, Oxford Hip Score and range of motion (ROM) were dramatically improved in all cases (p < 0.001). In the initial postoperative radiographs, periacetabular dome gaps were observed in the 15% of cases, and were progressively filled within 6 months. In 2 years postoperatively, the mean component migration, as shown in EBRA study, was 0.67 mm. 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 re-operation for any reason as end point was 92.8%, whereas the survivorship for aseptic loosening as an end point was 100%. Upon visual inspection, two removed acetabular components due to recurrent dislocation and infection, respectively, showed extensive bone osseointegration.

In our primary THA series, the porous tantalum monoblock cup demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes with no failures because of aseptic loosening at a mean follow-up of 18.1 years. Porous tantalum acetabular components showed excellent initial stability, produced less wear debris and revealed a great potential for bone ingrowth. Due to its unique osteoinductive properties and elliptical shape, porous tantalum monoblock cups have demonstrated superior short and long-term survivorship compared to other press fit prostheses in the market.