Fracture of fully coated echelon femoral stems in revision total hip arthroplasty

J Arthroplasty. 2009 Feb;24(2):322.e13-8. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2007.12.010.

Abstract

Three cases of fractured uncemented, fully porous Echelon femoral stems (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tenn) are examined. Fracture of these components, an uncommon complication of revision hip surgery, is thought to result from cantilever bending after distal bony ingrowth. The stems in these cases fractured at 11, 22, and 28 months after revision surgery. Risk factors include increased body weight, excessive activity, an undersized stem, varus alignment, inadequate proximal femoral bone stock, and metallurgic defects. Extraction can be difficult and is often accomplished with the use of multiple trephines or via tamping through a distal cortical window.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / instrumentation*
  • Body Weight
  • Bone Malalignment
  • Chromium Alloys*
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Femoral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Fractures / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteotomy
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Chromium Alloys