Failure mechanisms and closed reduction of a constrained tripolar acetabular liner

J Arthroplasty. 2009 Feb;24(2):322.e5-11. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2008.01.002. Epub 2008 Dec 9.

Abstract

Unlike traditional bipolar constrained liners, the Osteonics Omnifit constrained acetabular insert is a tripolar device, consisting of an inner bipolar bearing articulating within an outer, true liner. Every reported failure of the Omnifit tripolar implant has been by failure at the shell-bone interface (Type I failure), failure at the shell-liner interface (Type II failure), or failure of the locking mechanism resulting in dislocation of the bipolar-liner interface (Type III failure). In this report we present two cases of failure of the Omnifit tripolar at the bipolar-femoral head interface. To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of failure at the bipolar-femoral head interface (Type IV failure). In addition, we described the first successful closed reduction of a Type IV failure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum / surgery*
  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prosthesis Failure*