Catastrophic Periprosthetic Osteolysis in Total Hip Arthroplasty at 20 Years: A Case Report and Literature Review

Periprosthetic osteolysis is a serious complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, most orthopedic surgeons only focus on bone loss and hip reconstruction. Thus, it was required to understand the treatment algorithm for periprosthetic osteolysis integrally.

A 52-year-old Asian male presented with chronic hip pain. A mass appeared on the medial side of the proximal left thigh at more than 20 years after bilateral THA. Radiographs revealed catastrophic periprosthetic osteolysis, especially on the acetabular side. Large amounts of necrotic tissue and bloody fluids were thoroughly debrided during revision THA. A modular hemipelvic prosthesis was used for revision of the left hip. Four years later, the patient presented with right hip pain, where a mass appeared on the medial side of the proximal right thigh. A primary acetabular implant with augment was used for revision of the right hip. Laboratory evaluation of bloody fluid retrieved from surgery revealed elevated levels of inflammatory markers.

Inflammatory responses to polyethylene wear debris can lead to severe bone resorption and aseptic loosening in the long-term following THA. Therefore, in spite of revision THA, interrupting the cascade inflammatory might be the treatment principle for periprosthetic osteolysis.