Late disassembly of a modular acetabular component. A case report

Disassembly of metal-backed acetabular components used for total hip arthroplasty is becoming more common in both preassembled and modular designs. This complication is usually associated with a dislocation of the femoral component or other radiographic evidence of dissociation. A case of late disassembly of the acetabular component without dislocation or radiographic evidence is presented. The authors believe this complication should be considered, along with infection and aseptic loosening, in all cases of late development of pain following total hip arthroplasty.