Objective To evaluate the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D)-printed individualized porous acetabular components for reconstruction of large acetabular bone defects during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods The clinical data of 8 patients with large acetabular bone defects treated with 3D-printed individualized porous acetabular components between July 2018 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort comprised 4 males and 4 females with an average age of 48 years ranging from 34 to 56 years. Acetabular bone defects were classified as Paprosky type ⅢA in 3 cases and type ⅢB in 5 cases. The causes of acetabular destruction were hip tuberculosis (5 cases), pigmented villonodular synovitis (2 cases), and syphilitic arthritis (1 case). Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Harris hip score (HSS) were used to evaluate the pain relief and hip function before and after operation. Reconstruction outcomes were further assessed by imaging results [X-ray film and Tomosynthesis Shimadzumetal artefact reduction technology (T-SMart)], and the mechanical properties were evaluated by finite element analysis. Results The operation time ranged from 150 to 240 minutes (mean, 187 minutes), and intraoperative blood loss ranged from 350 to 550 mL (mean, 465 mL). All 8 patients were follow-up 26-74 months (mean, 44 months). Among the 5 patients with tuberculosis, none experienced postoperative recurrence. At last follow-up, the VAS score was 0.3±0.5 and the HHS score was 87.9±3.7, both significantly improved compared to preoperative values (t=25.170, P<0.001; t=?28.322, P<0.001). X-ray films at 2 years after operation demonstrated satisfactory matching between the 3D-printed customized acetabular component and the acetabulum. The postoperative center of rotation of the operated hip was shifted by (2.1±0.5) mm horizontally and (2.0±0.7) mm vertically relative to the contralateral side, with both offsets showing significant differences compared to preoperative values (t=24.700, P<0.001; t=55.230, P<0.001). T-SMART imaging showed satisfactory osseointegration at the implant-host bone interface, while finite element analysis suggested that the acetabular component possessed excellent mechanical properties. No complications such as aseptic loosening or screw breakage were observed during follow-up. Finite element analysis showed that the acetabular component had good mechanical properties. Conclusion The application of 3D-printed individualized porous acetabular components in the reconstruction of large acetabular bone defects demonstrated precise anatomical reconstruction, stable mechanical support, and good functional performance in short-term follow-up, offering a potential alternative for acetabular defect reconstruction in primary THA.
