Highly Porous Titanium Cups Frequently Presenting with Radiolucent Lines in Cementless Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: A highly porous titanium cup with a three-dimensional metal interface was recently introduced to improve biological fixation and survival. However, radiography has revealed concerns regarding these cups, despite their excellent short- and mid-term clinical outcomes. This study compared the clinical and radiographic results of a highly porous titanium cup with those of a hydroxyapatite-coated porous titanium cup after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Fifty-one primary THAs were investigated. A highly porous titanium cup was used in 17 hips, and a hydroxyapatite-coated porous titanium cup was used in 34 hips. No significant differences in preoperative patient demographic characteristics were observed between the two groups. The 2-year postoperative clinical and radiographic results were compared. Results: Radiolucent lines were observed in 13 (76%) of 17 hips with highly porous titanium cups and in none (0%) of 34 hips with hydroxyapatite-coated porous titanium cups (p < 0.001). In the highly porous titanium cup group, radiolucent lines were observed in five hips (29%) in one zone, two hips (11%) in two zones, and six hips (35%) in three zones. No cup loosening was observed in either group. Conclusions: Radiolucent lines were significantly more frequent in highly porous titanium cups. This study suggests that, compared to the three-dimensional structure of porous titanium, the hydroxyapatite coating of porous titanium had a greater influence on bone ingrowth in the short term. The meaning of these findings in the long-term is unclear yet.