Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Individualized Stem-positioning in Calcar-guided Short-stem Total Hip Arthroplasty
Published on: February 27, 2018
Gross Stem Taper Failure with Head Dissociation in a Very Active Patient with an Uncemented Femoral Stem
Valerie Polster1, Robert Hube2,3, Michael M Morlock1
1Institute of Biomechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany.
Case:
We report a case of gross taper failure (GTF) in a very active 81-year-old man 14 years after index operation. The patient presented with acute hip pain and shortening of the left leg. X-rays showed the dissociation of the head. The stem had to be revised because of the massive stem taper damage.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates that GTF at the head-stem taper junction following mechanically assisted crevice corrosion is not limited to a specific taper design and material. Other risk factors such as high activity level can lead to this failure pattern also in established stem and taper designs.
