Yonsei Med J.  2013 Nov;54(6):1550-1553. 10.3349/ymj.2013.54.6.1550.

Ceramic Head Fracture in Ceramic-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty

• Nho JH
• Park JS
• Song US
• Kim WJ
• Suh YS

• KMID: 1798158
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2013.54.6.1550

Abstract

Revision rates of total hip arthroplasty have decreased after introducing total hip arthroplasty (THA) using ceramic component, since ceramic components could reduce components wear and osteolysis. The fracture of a ceramic component is a rare but potentially serious event. Thus, ceramic on polyethylene articulation is gradually spotlighted to reduce ceramic component fracture. There are a few recent reports of ceramic head fracture with polyethylene liner. Herein, we describe a case of a ceramic head component fracture with polyethylene liner. The fractured ceramic head was 28 mm short neck with conventional polyethylene liner. We treated the patient by total revision arthroplasty using 4th generation ceramic on ceramic components.

Keyword

Ceramic head fracture; ceramic-on-polyethylene; total hip arthroplasty; revision arthroplasty

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/*methods
Ceramics/*therapeutic use
Female
Hip Prosthesis
Humans
Polyethylene/*therapeutic use
*Prosthesis Failure
Ceramics
Polyethylene

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Preoperative plain radiographs shows a ceramic head fracture with polyethylene liner. In computed tomographs, numerous ceramic particles were found around the joint, and mild osteolytic lesions were observed around proximal femur and lateral aspect of acetabular cup.

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  Fig. 2 Photograph shows fractured ceramic head on polyethylene liner and scratched taper of the stem. Some particles are attached to anterior and posterior joint capsules. Black discoloration, which is suspected of metallosis, is observed at proximal femur.

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  Fig. 3 Radiographs after total revision of a ceramic head fracture.

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