[Titanium deposits on the ceramic heads of dislocated total hip replacements]

Metallographic evaluation of hip joint implants wear and electrochemical implants potential

We performed metallographic evaluations of implants, removed during revision hip arthroplasty. The implants were evaluated for electrochemical potentials and the presence of wear products on the implants surface. A total of 50 patients (50 hips) underwent revision hip arthroplasty during the years 2007-2009 for aseptic loosening. The mean follow-up from primary hip replacement to revision was 10.1 years (from six months to 17 years). All hip joint implants removed during the revision arthroplasty were submitted to metallographic analysis and all heads were submitted to analysis under a scanning microscope. All polyethylene (PE) cups and inserts showed numerous features of wear (friction wear, plastic deformation and creeping, fatigue wear and degradation), six PE cups were broken. In six ceramic cups, only friction wear features were found; one of them was mechanically broken. In all heads articulating on PE not one had any mechanical damage. Heads of ceramic implants in ceramic-ceramic articulation undergo abrasive wear. None of the studied stems (cemented or uncemented) revealed any features of wear. Areas of titanium crystals (formed by electrolytic sedimentation of metals) were macroscopically identified on the sliding surface of six heads that was confirmed by chemical composition and scanning microscope.In the course of prosthesis use, wear products are produced and transferred onto the sliding surfaces of implant heads and cups via ways other than purely mechanical contact. It has been confirmed that metals used for implant construction, make galvanic cells with different electrochemical potentials.

High incidence of squeaking in THAs with alumina ceramic-on-ceramic bearings

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in THA are a popular alternative to overcome wear concerns in traditional metal-polyethylene bearings. However, squeaking is a potentially worrisome phenomenon in ceramic-on-ceramic THAs which we observed in some of our patients. We reviewed all 42 patients who underwent 43 ceramic-on-ceramic noncemented THAs during the time of the study. Squeaking, defined as a reproducible sound of squeaking, clicking, or grating, occurred in nine of 43 implants (20.9%). Standard radiographs were normal. We used CT imaging to determine cup anteversion and inclination angles, comparing the squeaking hips with those of a randomly selected control group, but found no differences. We then hypothesized specific design features (stem size, cup size, head size, and neck length of the head) would be risk factors for squeaking. We found a difference in neck length between squeaking and nonsqueaking implants. A neck length of -4 mm or shorter resulted in a relative risk of 5.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.14-27.01) for squeaking. We found a high incidence of squeaking in our population, and we believe this phenomenon is an underreported side effect of these types of bearings. A short neck length of the femoral implant was a risk factor for squeaking in ceramic-on-ceramic THA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Severe damage of the femoral head after dislocation and difficult reduction maneuvers after total hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Aseptic loosening associated with osteolysis and release of wear particles is the main reason for revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Damage of femoral heads is well known to increase the wear rate at the articulating surface. Instability and dislocation are serious complications and are the second most frequent reason for revision surgery after THA. In the present work the possible damaging of the femoral head as a result of difficult reduction maneuvers of dislocated THA should be investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In three cases of total hip dislocation an open reduction was performed after dislocation of primary THA. Thereby one metal and two ceramic femoral heads were retrieved. Each head was analyzed macroscopically and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) subsequently.

RESULTS

In the first case the SEM analysis revealed severe titanium deposits on the retrieved ceramic head in the case of repeated unsuccessful closed reduction maneuvers. In the second case the retrieved ceramic head showed multiple scratches and a spalling of the surface structure. In the third case the retrieved metal head presented a roughened surface and severe scratches at the articulating area.

DISCUSSION

Difficult reduction maneuvers following total hip dislocation can lead to severe damaging of the femoral head associated with an increase of the surface roughness. While repeated reduction maneuvers can lead to metallic deposits and spalling of the surface of ceramic heads, severe scratches can occur at metal heads. The damaging of the femoral head at the articulating surface can lead to increased wear and subsequent aseptic implant loosening. Therefore, open joint reduction has to be considered in cases of difficult or unsuccessful closed reduction maneuvers to prevent severe femoral head damage which may cause an increased release of wear particles.