An Atypical Adverse Local Tissue Reaction Seen With Metal-On-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty Utilizing Polyethylene Liners With Metal Inlays

Adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) is a frequently described, although uncommon, complication of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. Here in we report on 2 patients with unique metal-inlay polyethylene liners who suffered from ALTR that required revision arthroplasty. In 2 of 3 cases the femoral trunnion was noted to have minimal corrosion and the stem was salvaged with a titanium adapter. In one case there was catastrophic femoral stem failure and an extended trochanteric osteotomy was required to remove the unique lateral flare stem. The surgeon must pay special attention when scrutinizing radiographs to identify a metal inlay polyethylene liner and when performing revision arthroplasty to prevent greater trochanter fracture in a patient who likely already has compromised abductor function due to ALTR.