A case of double fracture in total hip replacement

Femoral stem failure in total hip replacement is uncommon. It tends to occur predominantly in males over 1.8 m in height and over 76 kg in weight. Poor or inadequate cementing technique may lead to cement failure, which may be seen as roentgenographic lucencies present by as much as 12 months prior to actual stem failure. This article reports on a case of double stem failure, together with a full metallurgical examination, which indicated loosening of the implant prior to eventual failure from overload. Although one of the fractures occurred across an area of relative weakness in the stem material, this was not felt to be the principal cause of failure.