We report on a series of long-stemmed femoral components used in revision total hip replacements which fractured, and were subsequently revised. All explanted stems were analysed in respect of the reasons for failure. The patient's serial radiographs and clinical records were also analysed. All stems demonstrated some fixation distally. They all showed little proximal osteo-integration. A biomechanical analysis confirmed the vulnerability of these long stemmed modular prostheses in respect of mechanical failure. The resultant unprotected lever-arms led to local stresses in the prosthesis constructs which were above the failure threshold resulting in prosthesis fractures. These fractures all occurred at points where the prostheses were structurally most vulnerable.Methods
Results
Antibiotic loaded polymethyle methacrylate spacers are commonly used in the management of septic hip replacements. The aim of this study was to determine wear patterns on the articulating surfaces of these spacers, as well as to determine the extent of PMMA particulate debris generation.Introduction
Aim
