ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printed trabecular metal pads for Paprosky type Ⅲ acetabular defect in hip revision.MethodsBetween August 2014 and December 2015, the 3D printed trabecular metal pads were used to repair Paprosky type Ⅲ acetabular defects and reconstruct the annular structure of the acetabulums in 5 cases of primary hip revision. There were 3 males and 2 females, aged from 50 to 72 years, with an average age of 66 years. The time from initial replacement to revision was 10 to 18 years, with an average of 14.4 years. The types of prostheses in primary replacement were non-cemented in 3 cases and cemented in 2 cases. The types of acetabular bone defects were Paprosky type ⅢA in 3 cases and Paprosky type ⅢB in 2 cases. The preoperative Harris score was 34.23±11.67. The height of rotation center of affected hip was (38.17±8.87) mm and the horizontal position was (35.62±9.12) mm.ResultsThe operation time was 120-180 minutes, with an average of 142 minutes. The intraoperative bleeding volume was 800-1 700 mL, with an average of 1 100 mL. Five patients were followed up 18-24 months (mean, 21 months). At last follow-up, the Harris score was 79.82±8.70, which was significantly higher than that before operation (t=16.991, P=0.000). At 1 week after operation, the abduction angle of acetabular cup was 38-42° (mean, 39.4 °) and the anteversion angle was 13-18 ° (mean, 14.6°). The height and horizontal position of rotation center of affected hip were (22.08±8.33) mm and (29.03±6.28) mm, respectively, showing significant differences when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference when compared with those of healthy hip [(28.62±7.73), (27.29±4.22) mm] (P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no complication such as prosthesis loosening, dislocation, or periprosthetic fracture.ConclusionIn hip revision, 3D printed trabecular metal pads can repair Paprosky type Ⅲ acetabular defect, reconstruct the structure of acetabulum, provide a stable supporting structure for the acetabular cup, reconstruct the relatively normal rotation center of the hip joint, avoid iatrogenic bone loss, and achieve satisfactory functional recovery of the hip. The long-term effectiveness needs further follow-up.