The use of porous alumina bioceramics to repair bone defects in the aspect of long-term success of hip arthroplasty

This article documents the influence of treatment history on the success of hip arthroplasty. To prove this, we present the results of a study of a hip endoprosthesis that failed unusually. Intensive damage of the endoprosthesis head made of cobalt alloy was observed, which resulted in advanced metallosis of the tissues surrounding the implant. Macroscopic and microscopic studies combined with EDS analysis were carried out. An X-ray analysis of the endoprosthesis acetabulum was performed using computed tomography and a 3D scan of the endoprosthesis head. The tests showed that the primary wear mechanism of the endoprosthesis head was the abrasive wear caused by the hard particles of porous alumina bioceramics, which were embedded in the polyethylene acetabulum due to the forces acting on the joint. In our examined situation, the particles were immovably affixed to the polyethylene insert, escalating headwear. Alumina bioceramics were used as a tissue engineering element in the patient's previous treatment. The presented results have great practical significance, as they indicate that great care should be taken when using polyethylene components, especially in cases where previous surgeries involved using porous bioceramics to fill damaged bone fragments. This study's findings can potentially improve the long-term success of hip arthroplasty.