Reconstruction for pelvic discontinuity and massive acetabular defects

The acetabular reconstruction with massive acetabular defects and pelvic discontinuity is a complex surgery with important difficulties for the orthopaedic surgeon. The objective of this study is to show the short and midterm results of the acetabular revision with the Cup-Cage construct in a consecutive serie of cases.

Retrospectively we reviewed 22 consecutive patients with massive acetabular defects (8 Paprosky IIIa and 9 IIIB); 5 pelvic discontinuities; 2 pelvic fractures during the implantation of primary artroplasty, and one pelvic pseudoarthrosis. All were reoperated with a trabecular metal acetabular component and a Cup-Cage. We did clinical and radiological follow-up to detect machanical failures and loosening of the implant.

With a middle follow-up of 45.06 months (12-73 months) we did not see any radiographic failure of the implant (component migration, osteolysis neither rupture of the implant or screws). The complications (13,63%) included one recurrent luxation, one infection and one recurrent subluxation. The Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score improved from 6.91 to 14.36 and the punctuation in the range of motion from 2.91 to 4.36 on average of the values preoperatively and postoperatively respectively and improvement in Harris Hip Score 30 (16-55) to 72 (40-90) in the latest follow up.

The acetabular reconstruction with the Cup-Cage system is a valid alternative for the reconstruction of massive acetabular defects (Paprosky type IIIA and IIIB) and pelvic discontinuities offering good results at short and midterm follow-up.