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Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, Vol 91-B, Issue 11, 1533-1535.
doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.91B11.22737  
Copyright © 2009 by British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery
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Right arrow Articles by Chesser, T. J. S.

Survival of ceramic bearings in total hip replacement after high-energy trauma and periprosthetic acetabular fracture

S. Salih, MA, Orthopaedic Core Trainee1; V. A. Currall, MRCS(Eng), Orthopaedic Registrar1; A. J. Ward, FRCS, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon1; and T. J. S. Chesser, FRCS(Trauma & Orth), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon1

1 Pelvic and Acetabular Reconstruction Unit, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics North Bristol NHS Trust, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol BS16 1LE, UK.

Correspondence should be sent to Mr T. J. S. Chesser; e-mail: Tim.Chesser{at}nbt.nhs.uk

Surgeons remain concerned that ceramic hip prostheses may fail catastrophically if either the head or the liner is fractured. We report two patients, each with a ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement who sustained high-energy trauma sufficient to cause a displaced periprosthetic acetabular fracture in whom the ceramic bearings survived intact. Simultaneous fixation of the acetabular fracture, revision of the cementless acetabular prosthesis and exchange of the ceramic bearings were performed successfully in both patients. Improved methods of manufacture of new types of alumina ceramic with a smaller grain size, and lower porosity, have produced much stronger bearings. Whether patients should be advised to restrict high-impact activities in order to protect these modern ceramic bearings from fracture remains controversial.






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Hip, Knee, Trauma, Upper limb, Foot & Ankle, Paediatrics, Oncology, Spine, Arthroplasty, General