Failure of a Femoral Revision Knee Component with Chemical Corrosion and Elevated Metal Ions

Case: Failure of the modular junction in revision total knee arthroplasty is a rare complication. We report a patient with late, atraumatic failure of a modern, modular revision femoral component, with preoperative elevation of serum cobalt and chromium levels. Retrieval analysis showed extensive chemical corrosion. Conclusion: Failure of a modern, modular femoral component may cause metal synovitis and elevated serum metal levels. Subtle radiographic changes and preoperative serum metal levels may identify this complication.