Should we use ceramic-on-ceramic coupling with large head in total hip arthroplasty done for displaced femoral neck fracture?

• Published in: Seminars in arthroplasty 2013-12, Vol.24 (4), p.255-260
• Main Authors: Solarino, Giuseppe, MD, Abate, Antonella, MD, Morizio, Arcangelo, MD, Vicenti, Giovanni, MD, Moretti, Biagio, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ceramic bearings; femoral neck fracture; Orthopedics; total hip arthroplasty
• ISSN: 1045-4527; 1558-4437
• DOI: 10.1053/j.sart.2014.01.011

Abstract Intracapsular femoral neck fractures are very common orthopedic injuries; total hip arthroplasty has been demonstrated to be an optimal option, but one of the major concerns remains the fact that it may dislocate. The aim of this study is to retrospectively review patients with a displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture who underwent total hip arthroplasty to realize whether the use of large-diameter ceramic-on-ceramic coupling has the potential to substantially reduce the risk of such a complication. Among 690 hip replacements performed in a period of 8 years, we have selected 86 total hip arthroplasties done for displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck in 64 women and 22 men with a mean age at operation of 67.9 years. Ceramic-on-ceramic coupling was chosen in 38 cases, a 36-mm head was used in 36 cases. At the latest follow-up, there were no cases requiring revision surgery and periprosthetic osteolysis was undetectable. There were no cases of dislocations. New-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearings with heads of large diameter should therefore be considered to address the problem of dislocation after total hip replacement is done for displaced femoral neck fracture.