Metallosis, complete osteolysis of ilium, acetabulum and proximal femur. Disastrous complication of total hip arthoplasty: A case report.

Metallosis is serious condition that comes about when metallic debris builds up in the soft tissues of the body. This condition is seen in individuals undergoing joint replacement surgery, like those of the hip, knee and elbow. Incidence of metallosis is not common. Here we present a case of 61 year-old male, who had undergone right-sided total hip replacement 20 years earlier due to avascular necrosis. He presented to us with one-year history of massive swelling of right thigh and mild pain and discomfort in September 2013. He was unable to carry weight on the affected limb and had been bed-ridden for the preceding three months. On surgery, we found that the femur had eroded on the medial side, and the whole illium had been destroyed except the iliac crest. We removed the stem, some metal particles and the fibrous tissue. After 2 months of surgery, he died of myocardial infarction.