A comparative study of “plasmacup” and “porous‐coated” acetabular components: survival after 10 to 12 years of follow‐up

OBJECTIVES: Our primary aim was to compare the long‐term survivorship rates and the rates of successful osseointegration between two different types of uncemented acetabular components. INTRODUCTION: Two types of alloys have primarily been used for the manufacture of the uncemented acetabular components: titanium‐based and cobalt‐based alloys. A titanium‐based alloy appears to be more effective with regard to interface stress transfer to the host bone because of its lower elastic modulus relative to a cobalt‐based alloy. This supposed mechanical advantage of a titanium‐based alloy component motivated this comparative study. METHODS: Two uncemented acetabular components, a porous‐coated acetabulum and a Plasmacup®, were compared with a focus on long‐term prosthesis survivorship and the development of acetabular osseointegration. Five radiographic signs of osseointegration were evaluated at the last follow‐up appointment: (1) absence of radiolucent lines, (2) presence of a superolateral buttress, (3) medial stress‐shielding, (4) radial trabeculae, and (5) an inferomedial buttress. We considered the presence of any three of these radiographic signs, in the absence of acetabular dislocation or symptoms, to be indicative of successful acetabular osseointegration. RESULTS: Among 70 patients implanted with the porous‐coated acetabulum, 80% achieved osseointegration over a mean follow‐up time of 11.9 years versus 75.3% of the 73 patients who received a Plasmacup insert over a mean of 10.7 years. Prosthesis survivorship rates were not different between the two groups. Revision surgery due to mild or severe acetabular osteolysis, polyethylene wear, and aseptic loosening occurred in eight patients (11.4%) with a PCA versus nine (12.3%) with a Plasmacup. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, during the first ten years after surgery, there is no significant difference between these two types of uncemented cups with regard to either prosthesis survivorship or successful osseointegration.