Newly published research into the effectiveness of 3D-printed implants for acetabular reconstruction
A new study by the Complex Hip Surgery team has been published in JBJS - the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. The research explores the outcomes of adopting 3D-printed implants in acetabular reconstruction across 26 patients.
The background to our work
The team behind Complex Hip Surgery is led by Professor Alister Hart, who has pioneered the use of 3D printing for hip surgery, robotic surgery and the analysis of orthopaedic implants.
We research the effects of implant science to help shape clinical guidance in the UK and overseas; ultimately improving clinical practice and delivering cost savings.
Latest publication
Custom 3D-Printed Implants for Acetabular Reconstruction: Intermediate-Term Functional and Radiographic Results has been published in JBJS Vol. 8, No. 2, April-June 2023.
Within the study we reviewed a database of consecutive patients who had undergone acetabular reconstruction with the use of a custom 3D-printed implant with a dual-mobility bearing. Surgery was performed to treat Paprosky type-3B defects between 2016 and 2019. The team explored both functional and radiological outcomes.
Results and Conclusions
We found that the median Oxford Hip Score improved significantly from 8 preoperatively to 32 postoperatively. One patient had a transient sciatic nerve palsy, one hip dislocated 6 months postoperatively and was managed nonoperatively, and one infection recurred. No patient had a fracture.
Radiographic evaluation showed bone ingrowth at the bone-implant interface in 92% of patients after 12 months. There was no evidence of implant loosening or migration at the latest follow-up (3 to 6 years).
We found that patients exhibited excellent functional improvement, implant survivorship and osteo-integration. It was evident that accurate preoperative planning and adoption of custom 3D-printed implants showed promising results in complex revision hip surgery.
