A High Prevalence of Corrosion at the Head–Neck Taper with Contemporary Zimmer Non-Cemented Femoral Hip Components

Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) occurs at metal/metal modular junctions in which at least one of the components is fabricated from cobalt–chromium alloy and may lead to adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) in patients with metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) total hip arthroplasty. This type of reaction has been previously described in hips with head/neck modularity, but the prevalence is unknown. We found a prevalence of 1.1 percent in a consecutive series of 1356 contemporary Zimmer non-cemented femoral hip components followed for a minimum of 2 years. The average time to presentation was 3.7 years (range, 9–105 months); delay in treatment led to irreversible soft tissue damage in three patients. We recommend usage of ceramic heads until this problem is further understood.