Metal neck and liner impingement in ceramic bearing total hip arthroplasty

Although impingement between the neck of the metallic stem and the ceramic liner has been suspected to be the cause of ceramic liner failure in ceramic‐on‐ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA), no report has directly demonstrated microscopic damage on ceramic liner. We performed 18 reoperations on 18 patients who had undergone third generation ceramic‐on‐ceramic THA. Considering impingement, 16 patients, who were reoperated more than 1 year after previous ceramic bearing THA, were evaluated. Retrieved alumina liners, showing evidence of impingement, were examined by means of visual inspection and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Four of the 16 hips showed neck notching and black stained liners, evidence of metallic neck to ceramic impingement. Impinged alumina bearings had been implanted for an average of 62.5 months (range: 35–99 months) before reoperation. SEM of the black stained area demonstrated disruptive wear and loss of surface integrity. Furthermore, one liner had multiple microcracks, and its cross‐sectional SEM analysis revealed one microcrack propagating into the deep portion of the ceramic liner. Our observations suggest that metal neck‐to‐ceramic impingement in ceramic‐on‐ceramic THA can cause microcrack formation in ceramic liner. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:218–222, 2011     

Alumina femoral head fracture in uncemented total hip arthroplasty with a ceramic sandwich cup

In total hip arthroplasty, insertion of a UHMWPE-coated ceramic sandwich liner dramatically reduces any risk related to the stiffness of the ceramic-ceramic coupling. We present a case of an alumina ceramic head fracture with a ceramic sandwich cup. The fracture occurred 16 months after the initial operation, without trauma. Impingement between the neck and posteroinferior portion of the liner rim had occurred. This was related to the traditional cross-legged sitting position of Koreans, which caused impingement between the neck and liner rim. Consequently, the taper became loose, and the resulting force bent the taper and fractured the head. We examined a peculiar case of ceramic femoral head fracture after implantation of an uncemented total hip arthroplasty with a ceramic sandwich cup and investigated the underlying cause.     

Spontaneous fracture of the ceramic ball in a ceramic—polyethylene total hip arthroplasty

Fractures of the ceramic ball in total hip arthroplasty are an uncommon cause of arthroplasty failure, and reports of this complication in ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty articulations are rare. Ball fractures have been reported in patients who were overweight, had high levels of activity, or had been injured. Other postulated contributory factors have included small ball diameter, defects in ceramic quality or manufacture, and errors in implantation of the arthroplasty. A case of a ceramic ball fracture in a ceramic and polyethylene articulation is reported, and the literature on such fractures is reviewed.     

Periprosthetic femoral fracture after total hip arthroplast

Periprosthetic femoral fractures represent a significant complication in total hip arthroplasty. based on originand treatment considerations, these fractures are best considered on the basis of the proximal region, and middle region below the lesser trochanter, and distal region at the prosthetic tip and beyond. Proximal-region fractures are usually wired and treated conservatively. Middle-region fractures may require prosthetic revision in addition to fracture fixation.Distal-region fractures are most difficult and may need advanced techniques, such as distal prosthetic fixation and allograft femoral plates.     

Late fatigue fracture of a modern cemented [corrected] cobalt chrome stem for total hip arthroplasty: a report of 10 cases

We report 10 fatigue fractures of a modern, cemented, cobalt chromium alloy stem (Osteonics Omnifit) for total hip arthroplasty occurring between 1995 and 2004. The primary total hip arthroplasties had been performed between 1989 and 1996. The average age at the time of surgery was 54 years (range, 34-70 years), and the average body mass index was 29 (range, 20-38). The time in situ of the prosthesis at the time of fracture averaged 8 years (range, 4-12 years). Intermediate follow-up radiographs before the fracture were available in 7 cases, all of which demonstrated loss of calcar support. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces in 3 of the components showed porosity near the initiation site. Metallography of polished and etched cross sections near the fracture surface revealed large grain size. In the presence of a spontaneous onset of thigh pain at intermediate follow-up in patients with this stem, particularly if associated with loss of calcar support, a fatigue fracture should be considered.     

Locked inferior fracture dislocation after total hip arthroplasty

Acetabular fracture in conjunction with dislocation after total hip arthroplasty is a rarely reported event. We describe such a case with a unique fracture dislocation pattern, whereby the prosthetic femoral component dislocated inferiorly, fracturing the pelvis, and was locked in this position. The patient was treated with closed reduction under anesthesia and the fracture healed without further surgical intervention. However, she has experienced subsequent instability episodes and we have recommended revision surgery.     

Conversion total hip arthroplasty: Primary or revision total hip arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an increasingly common procedure among elderly individuals. Although conversion THA is currently bundled in a diagnosis related group (DRG) with primary THA, there is a lack of literature supporting this classification and it has yet to be identified whether conversion THA better resembles primary or revision THA. This editorial analyzed the intraoperative and postoperative factors and functional outcomes following conversion THA, primary THA, and revision THA to understand whether the characteristics of conversion THA resemble one procedure or the other, or are possibly somewhere in between. The analysis revealed that conversion THA requires more resources both intraoperatively and postoperatively than primary THA. Furthermore, patients undergoing conversion THA present with poorer functional outcomes in the long run. Patients undergoing conversion THA better resemble revision THA patients than primary THA patients. As such, patients undergoing conversion THA should not be likened to patients undergoing primary THA when determining risk stratification and reimbursement rates. Conversion THA procedures should be planned accordingly with proper anticipation of the greater needs both in the operating room, and for in-patient and follow-up care. We suggest that conversion THA be reclassified in the same DRG with revision THA as opposed to primary THA as a step towards better allocation of healthcare resources for conversion hip arthroplasties.     

Fracture of the ceramic head in total hip arthroplasty: Report of two cases

This article reports two cases of fracture of the ceramic head component in total cementless hip arthroplasty. There was no history of difficulty prior to the component fracture, neither during the operation nor during daily use, and in one of the patients, no history of trauma was observed.     

Lining up the liner: 2 case reports of early ceramic liner fragmentation

We present 2 cases of early ceramic liner fragmentation in patients undergoing ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented total hip arthroplasty. The reports highlight the significance of correct liner insertion at the time of operation and the importance of a meticulous evaluation of postoperative radiographs. Tilting of the liner may not be visualized on the anteroposterior roentgenogram alone. Preradiological ceramic fragmentation can occur.     

Ceramic/ceramic total hip arthroplasty

Alumina-on-alumina total hip arthroplasty has been used for 30 years, mainly in Europe. The theoretical advantages of this combination are represented by its remarkable sliding characteristics, its very low wear debris generation, and its sufficient fracture toughness. These advantages are achieved if the material is properly controlled with high density, high purity, and small grains. The authors summarize the results obtained with ceramic/ceramic total hip arthroplasty. Information is provided about in vivo behavior regarding wear debris characterization and quantification, and histological tissue examinations for inflammatory reactions, which were not encountered except when alumina debris was mixed with metal or cement. Modification of socket fixation resulted in improved clinical outcomes. With a press-fit metal shell and an alumina liner utilized for 10 years, the results are excellent especially in a young and active population. Alumina-on-alumina seems at the moment to be one of the best choices when a total hip arthroplasty has to be performed in young and active patients. Received: March 22, 2000     

Ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 20 years

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the adolescent patient has historically shown relatively poor survivorship. This study reports the results of THA in young patients using contemporary ceramic bearings. Twenty-four THAs were performed using ceramic bearing surfaces in patients 20 years old or younger (mean, 16.4; range, 12-20). Average follow-up was 52 months (range, 25-123 months). The survival rate was 96%, with 1 revision for a loose acetabular component. Other complications included a peroneal nerve palsy that resolved and 2 dislocations in 1 patient. Postoperatively, the Modified Harris Hip Score mean was 93.4 (range, 66-100). This study shows promising results at short-term to midterm follow-up in very young patients who undergo THA using ceramic-on-ceramic components.     

Ceramic on ceramic hip arthroplasty in fused hips

Background:Most literature in the field of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for fused hips, until date has reported the results of using metal on polyethylene and ceramic on polyethylene bearings. Results of THA using ceramic on ceramic (CoC) bearings in fused hips have not been published in literature. This study reports the results of cementless THA using CoC articulation perfomed in fused hips.Results:Mean Harris hip score improved from 42.4 to 84.2 and mean leg lengthening of 36.6 mm was achieved. In the average 5.4 years (range 2.8-9.1 years) followup there were no cases with osteolysis around acetabular cup and femoral stem. In this study, there was no case of ceramic fracture. There was one case of squeaking.Conclusion:This study suggests that cementless THA performed for fused hips with CoC bearings can provide good early clinical results.     

Squeaking in a Delta ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented total hip arthroplasty

Squeaking is one of the main concerns related to the use of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty. Although it has received much recent publicity, most of the previous reports on this complication have been related to the use of the second generation of alumina ceramics combined with a cup having an elevated metal rim to protect the ceramic liner from neck impingement. We report a patient with a third-generation Biolox Delta (CeramTec AG, Plochingen, Germany) ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented total hip arthroplasty without an elevated metal rim in the cup who presented with a squeaking hip at 23 months postoperative. Although this complication was mainly related to a specific design in the literature, this case demonstrates that newer generation of ceramics can also present squeaking.     

Catastrophic failure of modular Zirconia—Ceramic femoral head components after total hip arthroplasty

Catastrophic failure of two zirconia—ceramic modular femoral heads occurred, despite the theoretical improved toughness of zirconia—ceramic relative to alumina—ceramic. This experience led the authors to return to cobalt—chromium as the metal of choice for articulation against polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty.     

Fracture of ceramic heads in total hip replacement

After introduction of ceramics in total hip replacement, there have been several studies on wear and fracture of the femoral head component. Though reports on fractures are few, we saw four fractures within 2 months. In all patients, a cementless hip prosthesis by four different surgeons was implanted between 3/2001 and 2/2004. In three patients, a ceramic-on-polyethylene pair and in one, a ceramic-on-ceramic pair was used. Only one patient suffered an adequate trauma. The mean survival of the ceramic head was 27 months (11–42). In two patients with polyethylene inlays, the inlay showed signs of wear out due to the fractured head. All four revision surgeries had a good outcome with satisfying results and no complications. Though we observe the postoperative development after implantation of ceramic components closely, we still believe that ceramics in total hip replacement in young and active patients are indicated with good long term results.     

陶对陶与陶对聚乙烯假体在全髋关节置换术中的中期随访分析

目的：比较陶对陶（ceramic-on-ceramic,COC）与陶对聚乙烯假体（ceramic-on-polyeth-ylene,COP）在全髋关节置换术中应用的可靠性和耐用性。方法对77例接受初次全髋关节置换的患者进行回顾性研究,比较 COC 与 COP 两种不同假体术后髋关节功能及并发症。结果COC组与 COP 组术后髋关节 Harris 评分分别为92．6±5．1和91．3±4．2,差异无统计学意义（P ＞0．05）;两者在翻修、脱位、陶瓷破碎、异响、松动、骨溶解、深部感染、异化骨化发生率的比较,差异无统计学意义（P ＞0．05）。结论COC 与 COP 假体均能获得较好的临床疗效,两者术后在髋关节功能及并发症方面疗效相当。     

全髋关节置换术治疗髋臼骨折

目的: 探讨全髋关节置换术治疗髋臼骨折的疗效与方法。方法: 回顾全髋关节置换术治疗髋臼骨折患者 17例, 总结分析其手术入路的选择, 异位骨化组织、内固定物以及髋臼骨缺损的处理方法。结果: 17例病人中有14例得到随访, 平均随访时间为 3年 7个月 (1年 2个月~9年 8个月)。出现感染 1例, 脱位 1例, 无菌松动 2例。术后再次异位骨化者 2例, 其中 1例引起坐骨神经症状, 再次行神经松解术。所有随访病例, 髋关节功能均有改善,Harris评分由术前平均 51分, 提高到术后 89分。结论: 选择正确的手术入路, 适当处理异位骨化组织和内固定物,重建髋臼骨缺损, 是全髋关节置换治疗髋臼骨折成功的关键。     

陶瓷-陶瓷全髋关节置换术中大小直径股骨头的早期比较

[目的]分析陶瓷-陶瓷全髋关节置换术中分别应用不同直径的股骨头的临床效果,并作相应的比较.[方法]2008年9月～2009年10月,本院共施行136例(157髋)陶瓷-陶瓷全髋关节置换术,其中男59例(68髋),女77例(89髋),年龄27～81岁(平均61.3岁);均采用德国LINK BetaCupTm复合陶瓷界面非骨水泥压配固定髋臼系统进行全髋关节置换;术前诊断显示股骨头缺血性坏死76髋,发育性髋关节脱位46髋,骨关节炎15髋,强直性脊柱炎11髋,类风湿性关节炎3髋,股骨颈骨折GardenⅣ型6髋.术中根据髋臼磨挫直径大小选择相应的股骨头假体(直径分别为28,32,36 mm),根据股骨头假体的直径大小分为3组,Ф28 mm组69髋,(Ф32 mm组31髋,Ф36 mm组57髋,通过术前及术后的Harris评分了解髋关节功能及疼痛的改善情况.[结果]随访时间12～18个月(平均16.2个月),(Ф28 mm、Ф32 mm、Ф36 mm股骨头术前Harris总评分、疼痛评分、功能评分、活动范围评分比较无明显差异(P>0.05),术后Harris总评分、疼痛评分、功能评分比较无明显差异(P>0.05),每组术后Harris评分较术前明显改善(P<0.05),股骨头直径越大术后活动范围改善就越明显(P<0.05).[结论]陶瓷-陶瓷全髋关节置换术股骨头直径的选择对术后疼痛的缓解差异性并无影响,但在髋关节活动范围改善方面大直径的球头要优于小直径的球头.陶瓷-陶瓷全髋关节置换术对手术技术及患者自身条件的要求较高,不可盲目追求大直径而忽略髋臼的实际承载条件.