Abstract
Introduction
Revision total hip arthroplasty is a complex procedure and becoming more common. Acetabular implant loosening or fracture has previously been treated with a cup and cage construct. Recent studies have shown significant failure rates with Cup Cage constructs in more complex 3B and 3C Acetabular revisions. As a result the use of 3D printed custom made acetabular components has become more common.
Method
We present 5 cases with severe acetabular bone loss that were treated with 3D printed acetabular components. The components were manufactured by OSSIS medical in New Zealand. The patient's original femoral stem was retained in all cases. Pre operatively the implant design was approved by the arthroplasty team prior to final manufacture. Implants were provided with a sterilisable model used intraoperatively for reference.
Results
Five cases of 3D printed acetabular implants have been used locally for complex revision total hip arthroplasty with no immediate intraoperative or postoperative complications. Follow up of 1 – 5 years. One patient fell, five years post operatively. Sustaining a periprosthetic femur fracture requiring plate fixation, however, the acetabular component remained stable. No patient has undergone surgery for any failure of the acetabular component.
Conclusions
This study shows 3D printed custom acetabular implants are efficient and effective in our hands. Early results from the design team suggest improved results compared to TM cup / cage systems. None of the implants have failed for any reason to date.
