Delayed fracture of a zirconium head after total hip arthroplasty

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2011 Feb;40(2):E14-6.

Abstract

We present a case of fracture of a zirconium head after a cemented total hip arthroplasty. The fracture occurred 81 months after the index operation without any history of trauma. The patient was thin, not participating in sports, and the zirconium head had 0-mm neck length. Preoperative radiographs demonstrated aseptic loosening of both components and significant polyethylene wear. Fracture pattern was unusual as the major fragment was half of the head. A revision was performed to a cementless arthroplasty. The authors have obtained the patient's informed written consent for print and electronic publication of the case report.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / instrumentation*
  • Bone Cements
  • Femur Head Necrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur Head Necrosis / surgery*
  • Hip Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Zirconium

Substances

  • Bone Cements
  • Zirconium