Abstract
Introduction
There have been increased concerns with trunnion fretting and corrosion and adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) in total hip arthroplasty. We report on 11 catastrophic trunnion failures associated with severe ALTR requiring urgent revision arthroplasty.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients with gross trunnion failure (n=11) and an additional 3 patients with impending trunnion failure.
Results
All patients presented to the emergency department with severe pain, an inability to bear weight, and dramatic radiographs demonstrating implant failure. Patients were an average of 7.8 years from the initial index procedure. Implants were a cementless component with metal on polyethylene bearing from a single manufacturer with a 36mm femoral head size and a range of extended offset of 2.5 to 5.5 and neck length of +0 (n=1), +5 (n=5), and +10 (n=5). The implant was used during a limited time (2.5 years) by single surgeon in our practice using a posterior approach, with the last implant placed 7 years ago. Prior to revision, serum cobalt levels were elevated, typically more than chromium levels. Radiographs demonstrated failure of the implant with a dissociation of the head from the taper and large radiolucent fluid collections from the metal debris (Fig 1). Intraoperative findings and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a diagnosis of ALTR with loss of abductors, and severe material loss from the taper (Fig 2). We estimate a conservative incidence of catastrophic trunnion failure in our series to be 2.2% (n = 636 total implanted). A femoral revision with a modular Wagner stem was performed, and when necessary the acetabulum was revised secondary to destruction of the locking mechanism from mechanical wear.
Discussion and Conclusion
ALTR can occur in patients with catastrophic failure of their trunnion. Radiographs are dramatic. Serum metal ion levels and magnetic resonance imaging is comparable to adverse local tissue reaction in metal on metal bearing surfaces, corrosion at the head neck taper, and corrosion of dual modular taper stems. The initiating events leading to this mechanism of trunnion failure is unknown. We observed trunnion failure at large head sizes and at increased femoral head offsets. Other groups have reported an association of trunnion failure at increased neck length and head size with a variety of manufacturers. Based on our experience, we have been able to identify impending failure based on subtle radiographic criteria and elevated metal ion levels. A failure rate of 2% at 7.8 years is non-trivial. Impending trunnion failure should be considered as a possible diagnosis in a painful total hip arthroplasty with unknown etiology. Serum metal ion levels and magnetic resonance imaging should be obtained as part of the initial evaluation.
