Damage to a hip endoprosthesis caused by high-frequency electrocautery

Publikationstyp
Journal Article
Date Issued
2009-07-01
Sprache
English
Author(s)
Huber, Gerd  
Biomechanik M-3  
Weik, T.
Morlock, Michael  
Biomechanik M-3  
TORE-URI
https://hdl.handle.net/11420/46535
Journal
Der Orthopäde  
Volume
38
Issue
7
Start Page
622
End Page
625
Citation
Orthopäde 38 (7): 622-625 (2009)
Publisher DOI
10.1007/s00132-009-1442-6
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-68249143309
Publisher
Springer
Contact between high-frequency cauterising instruments and metal endoprostheses can cause visible flashovers. The resulting local heating might partially transform the microstructure of the prostheses. In the present case a flashover to the in situ titanium hip endoprosthesis during the revision of a fractured ceramic head decreased the fatigue strength of the prosthesis and ultimately caused its failure. During revision surgery it is essential to prevent contact between in situ metal components and high-frequency cauterising instruments. © 2009 Springer Medizin Verlag.
Subjects
Endoprostheses
Flashover
High-frequency electrocautery
Microstructural transformation
Revision surgery
DDC Class
610: Medicine, Health
620: Engineering