Fracture of an Exeter Femoral Stem With Extensive Ipsilateral Periacetabular Osteolysis

Abstract

The Stryker Exeter stem (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) has been in service for over 50 years and remains the most widely used cemented stem. Stem fracture is a rare complication, with recently reported rates of 1 in 10,000. We present a case of Exeter stem fracture 25 years following initial implantation as well as a large periacetabular defect secondary to osteolysis. A revision total hip arthroplasty was performed, including periacetabular bone grafting for extensive osteolysis along with retention of a stable acetabular component. This case highlights the rare complication of Exeter stem fracture as well as the technique of bone grafting a large periacetabular defect with a retained acetabular component. This is of particular interest given the rarity of this event and the resurgence in North America of cemented femoral components in total hip arthroplasty.