Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026
Tantalum metal cups and augments versus custom-made 3D-printed trabecular titanium implants for Paprosky 3A and 3B acetabular defects: mid-term results
56 patients with severe acetabular bone defects with or without pelvic discontinuity were included. In the TCA group 31 patients and 25 in the 3D group with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included. The main indication for revision surgery with acetabular bone defect was aseptic loosening in both groups.
Results:
The mean follow-up was 57.21 ± 28.81 months. Implant survival rates were 90.32% in the TCA group and 100% in the 3D (P = 0.24). Functional outcomes improved in both groups based on the Merle D'Aubigné & Postel score, with greater improvement in the 3D group (9.24 ± 3.23 vs. 6.55 ± 2.59 points, P = 0.001). Pain levels improved equally in both groups. Surgical time was shorter in the 3D group (108 ± 34.5 vs. 129 ± 43.4 minutes, P = 0.047).There were no significant differences in reoperation rate, transfusion need, hospital stay, or mortality.
Conclusions:
Tantalum metal cups and augments and custom-made 3D-printed trabecular titanium implants demonstrated an excellent survival rate in the management of severe acetabular bone defects. The group of patients operated on with custom 3D-printed implants had better postoperative functional outcomes and a shorter surgical time.
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