Cup-neck impingement due to the malposition of the implant as a possible mechanism for metallosis in metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

The metal-on-metal bearing total hip prosthesis is expected to reduce the risk of debris-related osteolysis. However, several reports demonstrated that the socket-stem impingement in the metal-on-metal prosthesis due to the implant malposition results in titanium wear debris and secondary metallosis. In this article, we presented a case of massive metallosis due to metal-on-metal impingement. A 60-year woman had severe hip pain due to fracture of the greater trochanter. We planned a revision of the metal-on-metal inlay. Intraoperatively, the trochanteric bursa and joint space were found to be stained black. Black stained granulation tissue was observed between the femoral stem and the great trochanter. Intraoperatively, notching was noticed on both the posteroinferior aspect of the neck of the femoral component and the anterior aspect of the metal liner and polyethylene core. The notch corresponded to the position of impingement between the socket and the femoral neck during the maximum extension of the hip. To clarify the mechanism of cup-neck impingement, the alignment of the prosthesis and pelvic tilt were evaluated. The cup was placed in too much anteverted position. In addition, increased posterior tilt of pelvis in the standing position made the anteversion of the acetabular cup more significant, which enhanced the cup-neck impingement during the gait. Careful attention is necessary for implant alignment and pelvic tilt especially in metal-on-metal-bearing total hip arthroplasty.