Limb salvage and abductor reattachment using a custom prosthesis with porous tantalum components - Case report

Segmental bone loss secondary to trauma and infection often requires prosthetic components to provide for limb salvage and functional restoration. Current limb salvage techniques and implants are associated with up to a 46% rate of loosening and eventual failure [Clin Orthop Rel Res 1999;358:8]. This case report describes the use of a custom prosthesis for salvage total hip arthroplasty after a proximal femoral resection, for a patient with a history of a comminuted hip fracture and subsequent postoperative infection. Two component parts of the salvage prosthesis were a modular porous tantalum sleeve (Trabecular Metal, Zimmer TMT, Allendale, NJ) and a porous tantalum inset and washer intended for reattachment of the abductors. Throughout the 3-year follow-up of this patient, functional recovery and pain relief were obtained with few limitations.