Metallosis due to impingement between the socket and the femoral neck in ametal-on-metal bearing total hip prosthesis - A case report

Late loosening of a total hip component due to osteolysis may result from p olyethylene wear. For the metal-on-metal prostheses that have recently been developed, the Metasul bearing (Sulzer Medica, Winterthur, Switzerland) - which is fitted into the Muller prosthesis (Protek AG, Bern, Switzerland), the Zweymuller prosthesis (AlloPro AG, Baar, Switzerland), and other prosth eses - is the most common metal-on-metal articulation. The risk of debris-r elated loosening may be reduced with the use of this bearing(10). We report the case of a patient who had severe metallosis caused by wear of the neck of the femoral component from impingement with the rim of the acetabular c omponent of a metal-on-metal prosthesis. This complication can occur at any time postoperatively and may not be associated with symptoms or other prob lems.