Anterior Subluxation of a Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty Resulting in Erosion and Metal Debris

TL;DR

A rare case of metal-on-metal hip implant failure caused by erosion and metal debris is presented, highlighting the importance of monitoring these implants.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel mechanism of failure in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty due to asymmetric wear leading to late instability.

Findings

A 70-year-old patient with bilateral metal-on-metal hip implants experienced late instability due to asymmetric wear and erosion.

Revision surgery revealed extensive erosion, fragmentation, osteolysis, and metallosis in the hip tissues.

The case emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and management of existing metal-on-metal hip implants.

Abstract

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a commonly performed and highly successful surgical procedure. Metal-on-metal (MoM) THA implants were introduced two decades ago and subsequently recalled due to high early revision rates. Acetabular cup erosion and fragmentation secondary to chronic edge loading causing delayed instability are rare but devastating complications of MoM THA warranting expeditious revision surgery.

Case Presentation: We report a 70-year-old male with a history of bilateral MoM THA who presented with left hip instability. In addition to the radiographic and clinical features of hip instability, macroscopic examination at revision surgery revealed extensive erosion and fragmentation of the antero-superior margin of the implanted cup, osteolysis, and widespread metallosis of the periarticular soft tissues.

Discussion: This case highlights a significant adverse complication of MoM THA. Despite the industry's wide discontinuation and recall of these implants, MoM hip arthroplasty implants are present in many patients, who are all at risk of developing similar complications. Guidelines for the surveillance and treatment of both symptomatic and asymptomatic MoM THAs have been reported, although ambiguity remains in the optimal approach for managing patients with existing MoM THA.

Conclusion: Failure of MoM hip arthroplasty is most commonly the result of adverse reaction to metal debris. We present a novel mechanism of failure in a patient presenting with late instability due to asymmetric wear of the MoM bearing surface.. While it is uncertain whether early intervention in this patient may have prevented this complication, arthroplasty surgeons should be aware of the various modes of failure for MoM hip implants, as expeditious revision surgery is often required.

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