Oxinium femoral head damage generated by a metallic foreign body within the polyethylene cup following recurrent dislocation episodes

Summary Oxinium femoral heads are supposed to be more scratch-resistant thanks to their oxidized layer. However, damages to this thin layer can jeopardize implant's properties. Following revision total hip arthroplasty performed for recurrent posterior dislocations, the Oxinium femoral head initially implanted was observed to be dramatically damaged. A metallic foreign body from a trochanteric fixation wire was found within the polyethylene cup. Only few cases of damaged Oxinium femoral heads have been reported and all were related to either dislocation or reduction of THA. The aim of this report is to describe a non-reported mechanism of damaged Oxinium femoral head due to a broken trochanteric fixation wire device. Any broken metallic wire from a transtrochanteric approach should be carefully followed to detect migration within the polyethylene cup. If such a migration occurs, revision surgery should be rapidly scheduled.