Primary Tritanium acetabular components have increased rates of radiolucency associated with inferior clinical outcomes at short-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION

Cementless fixation is the standard for acetabular fixation in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). There are various surface finishes thought to improve osteointegration, although literature regarding the long-term survival of some of these surfaces is limited. Regardless of design, primary stability is essential to allow for osteointegration. Previous studies have suggested an increased rate of radiolucency and compromised short-term functional outcomes using the Tritanium primary acetabular component (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ). The purpose of this study was to compare the primary Tritanium acetabular component to another contemporary acetabular component as a control group with an established clinical record.

METHODS

444 consecutive, primary THAs performed by a single surgeon from 2008 to 2012 were reviewed. Patients were included if they had a minimum 1-year follow-up. Implant survivorship and modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) were recorded for all patients at final follow-up. Radiographs were evaluated by 2 surgeons at 6 weeks, 1 year, and the most recent follow-up for evidence of radiolucency and migration. Components were considered to have evidence of radiographic lucency if they had radiolucency in 2 or more DeLee zones.

RESULTS

198 patients met criteria for inclusion (96 Pinnacle, 102 Tritanium). Average follow-up was 28 (12-72) months. At final follow-up 6.2% of the Pinnacle cups and 29.4% of the Tritanium cups had radiographic evidence of loosening ( < 0.01). The average mHHS for the Tritanium group was 83.1, and 88.4 for the Pinnacle group ( < 0.01). Radiographic evidence of loosening also correlated with a lower mHHS: 75.5 versus 86.4 ( < 0.01). In patients that received Tritanium cups without screw fixation 44.6% showed radiographic evidence of loosening versus 8% that received screw fixation ( < 0.01). In total, 6 patients in the Tritanium group required revision for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component.

CONCLUSIONS

The 30% rate of radiographic loosening in the Tritanium group was significantly higher than the Pinnacle group and correlated with an inferior clinical outcome. Interestingly the use of screw augmentation was protective against radiographic evidence of loosening. This suggests that the Tritanium component may be prone to fibrous in-growth because of inadequate primary stability.