Debonding of porous coating of a threaded acetabular component: Retrieval analysis

This report presents a case of debonding of plasma sprayed porous titanium coating from a threaded acetabular component which caused aseptic loosening of the implant. Weight bearing after delamination caused abrasive damage of the acetabular shell, and particles of the coating embedded in the acetabular liner. Microscopic examination of periprosthetic tissues showed presence of metal particles and macrophage infiltration. Despite microscopic examination of the retrieved component the cause of debonding remains unclear.

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► We report a case of debonding of porous coating from a threaded acetabular shell.
► The whole porous coating debonded from the acetabular component.
► Fragments of the coating were embedded into the polyethylene liner.
► The cause of delamination of the coating is unclear.