Mode I and II Wear in Ceramic on Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure and has been associated with favorable outcomes in both elderly and younger patients. A variety of implant and articular components exist so to allow surgeons to make a patient-specific choice with the intent of maximizing both patient outcomes and implant survival. The utilization of ceramic bearing surfaces during THA has become increasingly prevalent, with their tribological profile conveying favorable wear and osteolysis-resistant properties. Typically, ceramic articulating components are most susceptible to failure through brittle fracture or complications such as squeaking. CASE REPORT: This case describes a 68-year-old Caucasian male who underwent revision of ceramic on ceramic THA due to pain, with intraoperative analysis revealing evidence of gross Mode I acetabular ceramic component wear with a resultant Mode II wear articulation between the ceramic femoral head and acetabular liner. CONCLUSION: Wear between ceramic implants in THA is infrequently reported, and as such awareness of this uncommon phenomena as well as its potential causative factors is important when considering either primary or revision THA involving ceramic bearing components.