Extract
Aceramic-on-ceramic bearing coupling, because of its qualities of reduced
friction and wear, is an attractive alternative bearing surface in total hip
arthroplasty. The use of such bearing couplings is likely to reduce problems
related to polyethylene wear
debris1-6.
Osteolysis has only rarely been reported in association with
ceramic-on-ceramic bearing couplings, and reports are generally limited to
cases involving early generation ceramic bearings or loosened
prostheses7,8.
Recently, several cases of osteolysis have been reported after total hip
arthroplasty with use of a contemporary alumina bearing, but these reports
only described the femoral scalloping seen on radiographs and did not present
any histological evidence that ceramic particles were the causative
factor9. We present
the case of a patient who had formation of a large amount of osteolysis about
both the acetabulum and the proximal part of the femur, induced by ceramic
wear particles from a well-functioning contemporary alumina-on-alumina total
hip prosthesis. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would
be submitted for publication, and she consented.