Disassembly of a one-piece metal-backed acetabular component. A case report

Abstract

We report a case of late dissociation of a one-piece metal-backed acetabular component, associated with a prolific soft-tissue reaction to the polyethylene debris. The polyethylene liner was not visible on the radiographs. The metal-backed shell could not be removed because of bone ingrowth. We recommend that modular systems be utilised in cementless arthroplasty of the hip and that radiographic markers be incorporated in the polyethylene of the acetabular cup.