O3002 FIRST RESULTS WITH A TANTALUM ACETABULAR PRESSFIT CUP

Aims: We report our results with a Tantalum acetabular pressþt cup (Hedrocel), available since 1997. Although not coated its trabecular metal microstructure provides a good primary stability through a high friction against cancellous and cortical bone. An excellent bony ingrowth could be demonstrated in several animal experiments. Methods: 125 total hip arthroplasties were performed on 108 patients. All of them were followed up in a prospective manner 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The outcome was quantiþed using the Harris hip and Merle dOAubigne scores and radiographic evaluation. Results: The Harris hip score raise from preoperative 44 to 87 after one year and the Merle dOAubigne score from 8 to 16. There were no signs of radiographic acetabular loosening. Sclerosis (Zone 1, 2 according to DeLee and Charnley) due to adaptation of the trabecular bone could be shown in most cases. The complication rate was on a low level (0.8% major, 3.2% minor complications) including 2 luxations, 2 relevant hematomas and 1 deep infection. Two cups had to be revised, one direct postoperatively for recurrent luxations due to an oversized inclination angle, the other for a deep infection. The infected cup was þrmly integrated, although it had to be explanted only a few weeks after implantation. Conclusions: Our results show, that the new Hedrocel acetabular cup has very good results with a good primary stability, a lack of radiographic loosening signs and an adaptation of the trabecular structures meaning a good osseous integration after one year. The long term results have to be obtained in the future.