Use of an alumina ceramic-on-alumina ceramic bearing surface in THA in a 13 year old with JIA--a single case study.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been shown to be highly effective in ameliorating pain and increasing function in adults with end stage arthritis of the hip. Early studies of cemented THA in children with advanced hip disease reported poor results, but, more recently, results of cementless THA show greatly improved outcomes. More recently, concerns related to THA in children have focused on wear of the bearing surfaces, which may result in periprosthetic bone loss and eventual loosening of the prosthetic components. This case report describes the use of an alumina ceramic-on-alumina ceramic bearing surface in THA in a 13-year-old female with bilateral end-stage arthritis of the hips. At 7 and 8 years post-THA, the patient has no pain, no limp, and is able to walk long distances without difficulty. Radiographs show no signs of implant loosening, osteolysis, or wear of the bearing surface.