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Alumina ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement with a layered acetabular component
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mie University Graduate, School of Medicine, 2-174, Edobashi, Tsu City, Mie 514-8507, Japan. masahase@clin.medic.mie-u.ac.jp
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|June 27, 2006
Summary
This study found that a modular layered acetabular component for alumina ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement showed poor durability. Unexpected mechanical failures, including liner fractures and dissociation, led to a 6-year survivorship of 83%.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Alumina ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement aims to reduce wear and improve longevity.
- A novel modular layered acetabular component (metal-polyethylene-ceramic) was introduced to enhance performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of alumina ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacements using a modular layered acetabular component.
- To assess the durability and failure modes of this specific acetabular component design.
Main Methods:
- 35 alumina ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacements were performed in 30 patients using the modular layered acetabular component.
- Clinical and radiological results were evaluated over a mean follow-up of 5.8 years.
Main Results:
- Six hips (17%) required revision surgery due to infection, dislocation with loosening, alumina liner fractures, or component dissociation with pelvic osteolysis.
- No ceramic head fractures or loosening of components in unrevised hips were observed.
- The 6-year survivorship was 83%, with osteolysis absent in unrevised hips.
Conclusions:
- The modular layered acetabular component demonstrated poor durability in this cohort.
- Unexpected mechanical failures, specifically alumina liner fractures and component dissociation, are significant concerns.
- Further investigation into the design and material integrity of modular layered acetabular components is warranted.
