The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 23, Issue 8 , Pages 1240.e5-1240.e8, December 2008

Massive Osteolysis Due to Failure of a Unipolar Endoprosthesis

Department of Orthopaedics, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana

Received 31 August 2006; accepted 16 October 2007. published online 09 April 2008.

Abstract 

Unipolar endoprostheses are commonly used for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly. Failure due to polyethylene wear, which has been well documented in bipolar endoprostheses, is not a commonly reported problem with unipolar prostheses. We present 2 cases of a particular unipolar design that failed due to polyethylene wear. We report these cases to promote awareness of this particular reason for failure in this design. We also question the need for polyethylene in any prosthetic, when it is not indicated for the bearing surface.

Key words: unipolar hip endoprosthesis, osteolysis, endoprosthesis failure

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 There are no conflicts of interest in regards to this manuscript.

PII: S0883-5403(07)00629-8

doi:10.1016/j.arth.2007.10.024

The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 23, Issue 8 , Pages 1240.e5-1240.e8, December 2008

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