Early loosening of the stemmed McMinn cup

The stemmed McMinn cup was used in 26 acetabular reconstructions (median age, 59 [range, 33-85 years]; 21 women) at 5 orthopaedic centers in Sweden between 1995 and 1998. Of the patients, 24 (92%) had severe bone defects (Gustilo-Pasternak grade 3 and 4). At a clinical and radiographic follow-up of median 3 years (range, 1-5 years), 4 (17%) cups were rerevised at 1 (2 cups), 2, and 3 years owing to symptomatic aseptic loosening. Another 8 cups (40%) were radiographically definitely loose and 1 (5%) was probably so. With an overall mechanical failure rate (rerevised plus definitely loose devices) of 43.8% at a minimum 3-year follow-up, the stemmed McMinn cup does not seem to be a reliable solution in acetabular reconstruction.