Introduction: The treatment of extensive bone loss and massive acetabular defects can be compounded by several challenges and pitfalls. The survivorship following acetabular revision with extensive bone loss is still unsatisfactory. The goal of the present study was to analyse the outcomes of 3D-printed patient-specific acetabular components in the management of extensive acetabular defects and combined pelvic discontinuity (PD).
Methods: 9 patients underwent revision THA using 3D-printed custom acetabular components to reconstruct extensive acetabular defects. The Paprosky classifications were determined in all patients. The primary outcome measure was the implant-associated failure rate.
Results: 1 out of 9 patients suffered an implant-associated complication (11%). The overall implant-associated survival rate was 89%. The overall complication rate was 56%.
Conclusions: The patient-specific acetabular component technique shows promise for the treatment of patients with severe acetabular defects in revision THA. Further research aimed at reducing costs and improving the complication rate are warranted.
Keywords: 3D printed; Acetabular defects; Bone loss; Paprosky classification; Patient specific acetabular component; Pelvic discontinuity.