Total hip arthroplasty with porous metal cups following acetabular fracture

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) after acetabular fracture presents unique challenges, including acetabular fixation. Twelve patients with a history of acetabular fracture underwent THA with porous metal cups. The average age was 57 years (range 24-88). THA was performed at an average 20 months from initial fracture. Average follow-up was 39 months (range 24-49). Average WOMAC scores improved from 32 to 79; UCLA scores improved from 1.75 to 5.25. There was one case of acetabular loosening in a renal transplant patient with rheumatoid arthritis. No other patients showed progressive radiolucent lines. At average three-year follow-up, porous metal components afforded improved clinical and radiographic outcomes in the majority of patients. Longer follow-up will determine whether porous metal is a durable option in the management of prior acetabular fracture.