Revision for taper corrosion at the head-neck junction: pearls and pitfalls

Brian J McGrory; Brigham R McKenney

doi:10.1007/s12178-016-9325-z

Revision for taper corrosion at the head-neck junction: pearls and pitfalls

Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016 Mar;9(1):97-102. doi: 10.1007/s12178-016-9325-z.

Authors

Brian J McGrory^{1

2}, Brigham R McKenney³

Affiliations

¹ Maine Joint Replacement Institute, 5 Bucknam Road, Suite 1D, Falmouth, ME, 04105, USA. mcgrob1@mmc.org.
² Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA. mcgrob1@mmc.org.
³ Maine Joint Replacement Institute, 5 Bucknam Road, Suite 1D, Falmouth, ME, 04105, USA.

Abstract

Modular hip replacement components offer numerous advantages, and the modular femoral component has become standard for contemporary total hip implants. Recent reports of mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) at the head-neck junction, and associated adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs), have renewed concerns for complications attributed to modularity. This manuscript describes the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options for MACC and highlights how appropriate pre-revision evaluation and planning, in conjunction with meticulous surgical technique, should be followed to avoid complications and achieve optimal surgical outcomes. Future directions for research include biomechanical, clinical, and retrieval studies.

Keywords: Adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR); Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC); Modular taper corrosion; Revision total hip arthroplasty; Total hip arthroplasty; Trunnion.