In ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty, 'stripe wear' is associated with which of the following mechanisms?
- A Third-body debris scratching the ceramic surface
- B Edge loading due to component malposition or microseparation ✓
- C Chemical degradation of the ceramic material over time
- D Repetitive impact loading during jogging
Correct answer: B. Edge loading due to component malposition or microseparation
Explanation
Stripe wear in ceramic-on-ceramic bearings is a narrow linear wear stripe on the femoral head and rim of the acetabular liner, caused by edge loading. This occurs when the head contacts the rim of the liner, typically due to component malposition, anteversion errors, or microseparation during gait. It differs from the diffuse wear pattern seen with normal function.
Reference: Orthopaedic Basic Science, 5th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.