Management of Paprosky type three B acetabular defects by custom-made components: early results

Purpose: Our study aims at the evaluation of the recently introduced Lima Promade custom-made acetabular device for the treatment of complex acetabular Paprosky 3B defects. Methods: Between 2016 and 2018, eight patients with major acetabular osteolysis and multiple revisions history were treated with a custom-made implant in a single centre and by a single surgeon. We assessed patients’ demographics, peri-operative data, and complications and a specific questionnaire was submitted to the surgeon after each procedure. Results: All the devices were correctly positioned. In two over eight cases, a post-operative dislocation occurred, where extensive soft tissue impairment was present. The questionnaire showed a good pre-operative and intra-operative experience of the surgeon. Conclusions: The Promade custom-made acetabular system showed encouraging results for complex defects and the entire procedure was positively rated. Further analysis with a higher number of cases and a longer follow-up should be performed for a complete clinical and cost-effective evaluation.