OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of cementless revising cup or acetabular reinforcement cages for reconstructing the massive acetabular deficiency.

METHODSFrom September 2001 to September 2008, 22 loosening acetabular cases (24 hips) were revised using cementless revising cup or acetabular reinforcement cases for reconstructing massive bone defect after particulate bone grafting. There were 2 cases (2 hips) using Lima cementless revising cup, 2 cases (2 hips) using Kerboull ring, and 18 cases (20 hips) using restoration GAP cages. Six cases (6 hips) were male, and 16 cases (18 hips) were female. The mean age was 62 years old (34 - 79 years old). Septic loosening was in 2 cases (2 hips), and aseptic loosening in 20 cases (22 hips). The mean follow-up was 48 months (18 - 84 months).

RESULTSThere was no clinical or radiological evidence of loosening for the revising acetabular components at the last follow-up point. The mean Harris hip score was improved significantly from 56 points (44 - 75) before revision to 89 points (78 - 94) at the last follow-up after revision. Excellent and good rate was 95.5% (21/22 cases). The average abduction angle of the three types of acetabular reconstructive cages were 50.1 degrees (39.0 degrees - 66.0 degrees), and almost all cases of the hip rotation center were restored after revision surgery. At the last follow-up, the reinforcement cages were no immigration and breakup, and there was no radiolucent line around the acetabular components. The bone graft integrated well into surrounding acetabular bone.

CONCLUSIONThe method of revising the massive acetabular bone defect by cementless revising cup and acetabular reinforcement cages restores the normal hip rotation center, supplies the primary stability of the revising component, and protects the bone graft from mechanical overload during its revascularization phase, which is a reliable method for revising the massive acetabular deficiency after total hip arthroplasty.