Reconstruction of massive acetabular bone defects in primary and revision THA is challenging for reconstructive joint surgeons. The use of porous metal augments is one of the options. The advantages of porous metal augments are easy to use, modularity and lack of resorption. We investigated the radiological results of porous metal augments used for massive acetabular bone defects in primary and revision THA.

Forty-one hips in forty patients had porous metal augments between 2011 and 2016. Thirty of the procedures were revision arthroplasties and 11 were primary procedures (Crowe type III in 5 hips, Crowe type IV in 3, septic hip sequalae in 2 and RA in one). Four of the revisions were second-stage reimplantation after infection. The Paprosky classification for revision was 2B in 4 hips, 2C in one, 3A in 3 and 3B in 22. Regenerex augments were used in 39 hips and trabecular metal augments were used in 2. Thirty-six cups were cemented and 5 cups were uncemented.

Mean follow-up was 37.6 months (range, 1–82). Radiographic findings of osteointegration between host bone and the porous metal augments were assessed. The presence or absence of radiolucent lines between cement or cup/host bone and augment/host bone interface was noted.

Two revisions were performed due to infection, one month and 66 months after operation. The other implants were stable without any complications. Osteointegration between host bone and the porous metal augments were recognized in 36 hips. Radiolucent lines between cement/host bone interface, less than 1 mm in width, were visualized in 2 hips.

Porous metal augments are convenient and our short-term results showed excellent radiological results for massive acetabular bone defects in primary and revision THA.