Corrosion at the stem-sleeve interface of a modular titanium alloy femoral component as a reason for impaired disengagement.
Modularity in sleeved femoral components allows the exchange of the stem without disruption of the fixation between the sleeve and the surrounding bone at revision surgery. Failure to disengage the stem from the sleeve would represent an unnecessary compromise from the intended usefulness of the modular design. We report the results of an examination of 22 modular titanium alloy femoral components retrieved after 0.0 to 8.8 years in vivo. In 7 implants, the stem-sleeve interface could not be disengaged without cutting through the components or using mechanical force. Moderate to severe corrosion was detected in all 7 of these cases. Corrosive surface changes were observed in an additional 6 interfaces. There was no correlation with the length of time that the devices had been implanted. When only the stem is to be revised, orthopedic surgeons should be aware of difficulties in disengagement and anticipate alternative surgical procedures.
Fraitzl
Christian R
CR
Hip and Knee Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.
Moya
Luis E
LE
Castellani
Lorenzo
L
Wright
Timothy M
TM
Buly
Robert L
RL
D000497:Alloys; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003343:Corrosion; D020878:Device Removal; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014025:Titanium
D000497:Alloys; D014025:Titanium