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Case Reports
. 2013 Feb 20:2013:bcr2013008614.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-008614.

Catastrophic failure of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty presenting as squeaking hip

David Malem  1 , Mathias Thomas Nagy, Sabyasachi Ghosh, Bhavik Shah
Affiliations
Case Reports

Catastrophic failure of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty presenting as squeaking hip

David Malem et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

A 68-year-old woman with osteoarthritis had a ceramic-on-ceramic left total hip arthroplasty, including ceramic femoral head and acetabular liner. At 5 years after surgery, the patient developed onset of a very loud squeaking noise, which could be heard 25 m from her, associated with limited hip movement. Findings at revision surgery included a broken ceramic femoral head component, complete wear of the ceramic acetabular component, and black wear debris. Squeaking hip after ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty may be associated with catastrophic failure of the arthroplasty components.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A 68-year-old woman who had left total hip arthroplasty. Initial postoperative radiograph shows satisfactory position of the femoral stem, head and acetabular shell and liner.
Figure 2
Figure 2
At 5 years after surgery, the patient presented with hip squeaking and reduced range of motion. Asymmetry of the femoral head relative to the acetabular shell and liner is noted. Wear debris is noted about the hip joint (arrows).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Intraoperative image showed black discolouration and debris in the adductor muscles and acetabulum (arrows).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Postoperative radiograph following revision of the acetabular component showed satisfactory position of the implant.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The ceramic femoral head and acetabular shell removed at revision surgery. The femoral head was broken, and the acetabular cup had complete wear.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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