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Case Reports
. 2013 Nov;54(6):1550-3.
doi: 10.3349/ymj.2013.54.6.1550.

Ceramic head fracture in ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty

Jae-Hwi Nho  1 , Jong-Seok Park, Ui-Seoub Song, Woo-Jong Kim, You-Sung Suh
Affiliations
Case Reports

Ceramic head fracture in ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty

Jae-Hwi Nho et al. Yonsei Med J. 2013 Nov.

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.

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

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
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.
Fig. 2
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.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Radiographs after total revision of a ceramic head fracture.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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