Trabecular TitaniumTM cups and augments in revision total hip arthroplasty: clinical results, radiology and survival outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Large acetabular defects remain a challenge in hip revision arthroplasty. Experience with Trabecular Titanium™ (TT) cups (Limacorporate S.p.a.) has not been widely reported. Therefore, we assessed the survivorship and clinical and radiological outcomes of patients receiving TT cups, with or without supplementary trabecular titanium hemispherical modules for acetabular reconstruction, in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Between January 2009 and July 2014, we performed 67 revisions and 5 primary THAs using TT cups in 69 patients. To achieve stability and/or restore the hip's centre of rotation, hemispherical modules were used in 17 cases based on preoperative templating and/or intraoperative findings. Mean follow-up was 30.5 months. Acetabular bone defects were classified according to the Paprosky classification. Survivorship, functional outcomes (Merle d'Aubigné) and radiological outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

8 patients underwent cup revision: 2 for loosening, 3 for infection, and 3 for hip dislocation. The remaining cases did not present radiological signs of loosening. None of the cases with Paprosky type I classifications needed revision, while 4 with type II and 4 with type III needed revision (p = 0.028). The respective mean values for pain, walking, and range of motion (Merle d'Aubigné scores ± standard deviation) were 3.6 ± 1.4, 3.7 ± 0.7, and 3.8 ± 0.6 preoperatively, and 5.7 ± 0.7, 5.3 ± 0.7, and 5.6 ± 0.7 at the latest follow-up (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the short term, results with TT cups appear to be encouraging, with satisfactory survival rates for both simple and complex cases.