Porous titanium revision shells permit early weight-bearing and rapid rehabilitation in revision hip surgery

An aging population and younger primary arthroplasty candidates have led to increased demand for acetabular bone deficient revision hip surgery. Seventy consecutive revision arthroplasty porous titanium shells prior to December 2011 were reviewed. We sought to determine evidence of implant instability in this cohort. Radiological data were analysed for stability. Primary endpoint was revision of implant. Mean age at surgery was 69.9 (±10) years. Median time since primary surgery was 13 years (range: 0.3 – 37). Forty-nine per cent had Paprosky Type 2b or greater acetabular deficiency. Bone graft and augments were not used. One shell was revised for ingrowth failure. Mean acetabular inclination was 35.4˚ (±7.3) post-operatively and 36.9˚ (±7.28) at latest follow up. There were no screw fractures. Porous titanium shells in revision arthroplasty are stable and permit rapid rehabilitation.