Fracture of ceramic components in total hip arthroplasty

ABSTRACT: The authors experienced two cases of alumina prosthetic components fracture among the 2879 implanted in 10 years; these components were part of 1484 prosthetic implants. In both cases ceramic fracture was the result of a surgical technical error: in the first case a 32 mm alumina head was replaced in the same tapered neck with a 28 mm one during cup revision without removing the stem; after 9 months the new head failed. In the second case the prosthesis presented recurrent sub-dislocations causing alumina cup liner chipping. Fracture of a ceramic component is actually an episodic complication (0,08% in our experience), often caused by an uncorrect surgical technique, and shall not limit the use of this material. (Hip International 2000; 10: 49-56)

KEY WORDS: Ceramic, Fracture, Total hip arthroplasty, Complication