Fatigue Failure of the GAP Ring

This study reports the results and early failures using the Graft Augmentation Prosthesis ring in the reconstruction of acetabular defects encountered during total hip arthroplasty. Seventeen consecutive Graft Augmentation Prosthesis rings were used during 7 complex primary and 10 revision hip arthroplasties. Five patients died during the follow-up period. Of the remaining 12 patients, 7 had been revised at an average of 5 years follow-up. Five cases were revised because of fatigue failure of the implant associated with allograft resorption. Two cases were revised for recurrent dislocations. Because of this high mechanical failure rate (5 of 12 cases at only 5 years follow-up), we have abandoned this device in favor of implants with more mechanical strength.