Do Not Postpone Revision of Worn Conventional Liners in Ceramic-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty: A New Dramatic Failure

Abstract

Catastrophic failure of ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty is still occasionally described. We report on a new case of complete atraumatic penetration of an intact ceramic head through the titanium cup in a cementless total hip arthroplasty due to dramatic polyethylene and metal wear. We reviewed the literature for similar cases and analyzed potential risk factors. Most importantly, revision of radiologically worn liners should not be postponed, especially in young and active patients with conventional liners, because the time to dramatic failure could be shorter than expected.