Atraumatic Fracture of a BIOLOX Delta Ceramic Femoral Head Articulating with a Polyethylene Liner: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2015 Oct-Dec;5(4):e112. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.O.00146.

Abstract

Case: We describe the case of a forty-one-year-old man who underwent total hip arthroplasty with a 32-mm BIOLOX delta ceramic head articulating with a polyethylene liner. The patient did not suffer any trauma postoperatively, and his only symptom was of a "clicking" noise from the operatively treated hip. At his six-week postoperative review, fracture of the femoral head was diagnosed.

Conclusion: Fracture of a ceramic femoral head is a rare but catastrophic complication. This case report highlights the importance of vigilance on the part of the surgeon when reviewing patients after hip arthroplasty with ceramic-on-polyethylene bearing couples, even with limited symptoms associated with the hip and no reported trauma.