A case of bilateral hip mechanically assisted crevice corrosion after staged total hip arthroplasty

Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC), also known as trunnionosis, and adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) are entities that can lead to pain and necessitate revision in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We present a case of a 75-year-old female who received a bilateral staged primary THA with metal on cross-linked polyethylene implants and had subsequent bilateral revisions for MACC and ALTR. In both instances, she presented with anterior thigh pain, weakness, and difficulty ambulating, and she was revised to ceramic on cross-linked polyethylene implants. This case may suggest a biologic predisposition or systemic immunogenic reaction to metal debris in some patients with ALTR or represent an implant-specific complication. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported of a patient having bilateral MACC from staged THA performed by 2 different surgeons using the same brand implant.