Use of Porous Tantalum for Acetabular Reconstruction in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

Increasing clinical data over the past several years have con-firmed the excellent stability of porous tantalum reconstruction in relation to acetabular revision. The advantages of porous tantalum appear to be fully realized in the setting of major bone loss, where tantalum cups with augments provide stable reconstructions with good potential for bone ingrowth. The cup-cage porous tantalum reconstruction may prove to be advantageous in the long term if the expected cup ingrowth, under protection of the ilioischial cage, actually occurs. Cup in growth would be expected to greatly increase the survivorship of these constructs over traditional cage allograft constructs. Longer-term follow-up is required to determine if porous tantalum acetabular reconstruction is the optimal technique for revising the failed acetabular component, especially in the setting of major bone loss.. Copyright © 2013 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.