Satisfactory long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes using supercritical CO₂-processed bone allograft in...

During revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), severe acetabular bone defects are usually treated with bone allograft combined with a metal cage or ring. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical and radiological outcomes after acetabular reconstruction with supercritical CO₂ (Supercrit®) bone allografts.

Patients treated for acetabular reconstruction with Supercrit® allograft at [redacted] between 2005 and 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were reviewed annually, and adverse event, clinical (Postel Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) score), and radiographic data were collected. Implant migration was measured on standard X-rays.

Fifty-one patients, average age 66 years [range 39-90], were treated with 39 Müller reinforcement rings, 11 Bürch-Schneider rings, and one Link® ring via a posterolateral approach in most cases. Acetabular reconstruction required an average of 1.2 femoral head allografts. Full weight-bearing occurred on postoperative day two or at week six in cases of bipolar revision via a complementary transfemoral approach. Average follow-up was 148 months. The PMA score improved significantly from baseline. The survival rate at 12 years with revision for any reason was 91.5% (95% CI 83-98%). The dislocation rate was 17%, but no dislocations occurred in patients receiving a dual mobility cup cemented in the reinforcement ring. Implants were stable with no cage or screw fractures, except in three patients with reconstruction failure.

Supercrit®-processed allogeneic bone combined with metal rings represents a suitable and satisfactory solution for acetabular reconstruction. Postoperative dislocation risk seems to be reduced by cementing a dual mobility cup in the metal ring.