A fracture of a ceramic femoral head is reported in this study. Fractures o
f ceramic femoral heads are uncommon and reports on this complication are r
are. After 3 million cycles, on a twelve station hip simulator that tested
alumina femoral head against polyethylene acetabular cup, fracture of the c
eramic ball was observed The retrieved specimen consisted of three large ce
ramic fragments from the same ceramic femoral head, a polyethylene acetabul
ar cup and a stainless steel jig. Careful and detailed examination of the r
emoved components was made. The fracture of the ceramic ball resulted in da
mage to the metal taper of the jig component which was fixed into the simul
ator.