Catastrophic failure of ceramic-polyethylene bearing total hip arthroplasty.
Complications of ceramic-polyethylene bearing total hip arthroplasty (THA) include osteolysis, loosening, dislocation, and component failure. Catastrophic acetabular component failure involves severe damage to both the polyethylene liner and metal shell. This case study presents the first reported complete wear-through of the acetabular portion of a ceramic-polyethylene arthroplasty presenting as a dislocation and a review of the literature. In this study, a patient's alumina ceramic femoral head penetrated the polyethylene liner and titanium shell and presented as a dislocated THA. The contributing factors for this catastrophic failure include young patient age, high activity level, thin polyethylene liner, backside wear, component positioning, polyethylene sterilization with gamma irradiation in air, and lack of appropriate follow-up. Revision THA was performed without complications.
Needham
Justin
J
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-6200, USA.
Burns
Travis
T
Gerlinger
Tad
T
D000077:Acetabulum / Q000601:surgery; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020959:Polyethylene; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D012307:Risk Factors; D014025:Titanium
D020959:Polyethylene; D014025:Titanium; D000537:Aluminum Oxide