• INTRODUCTION
    • In this article, we report a unique case of head-stem dissociation in a metal-on-metal total hip replacement which utilized an Exeter stem. Although metallosis and pseudotumor formation are well recognized complications of metal-on-metal hip replacements, head-stem dissociations are rare with few being reported in literature. To the best of our knowledge, this case report is the first to report this occurrence in an Exeter stem.
  • CASE REPORT
    • A 76-year-old male presented to the emergency department with pain and discomfort in his left hip triggered by a twisting movement while getting into bed. The patient described a "pop" in his hip upon turning and reported mild ongoing discomfort in his left hip for the past 4 weeks before this acute presentation. X-rays and Metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance image (MARS) revealed head-stem dissociation along with pseudotumor formation. The patient successfully underwent a two stage revision with no perioperative complications.
  • CONCLUSION
    • This case report, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to report catastrophic failure of a metal-on-metal hip caused by trunnionosis and subsequent head-stem dissociation. We report successful management of this unique case and hope to highlight the complexities and challenges associated with metal-on-metal THR. This case report is aimed at raising clinical awareness of this rare complication which requires expert management for a successful outcome.