PERIPROSTHETIC FEMORAL OSTEOLYSIS AROUND AN UNCEMENTED NONMODULAR MOORE-PROSTHESIS

Periprosthetic osteolysis is a major problem in total joint arthroplas ty surgery today. The particulate debris from ultrahigh-molecular-weig ht polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and corrosion products from modular connections have been implicated in this process. A case of fe moral osteolysis at the tip of a nonmodular Moore prosthesis, in the a bsence of polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and modular connectio ns, is reported. In the area of osteolysis, histochemical and in situ hybridization techniques established the expression of messenger ribon ucleic acid encoding for certain cytokines implicated in bone resorpti on, preferentially in the area of osteolysis. This case illustrates th at the etiology of periprosthetic osteolysis is multifactorial and can occur in the absence of polyethylene, methacrylate, or modular compon ents. All joint implants should be monitored for the development of th is complication.