Skip to main content
OrthoVellum
Knowledge Hub

Study

  • Topics
  • MCQs
  • ISAWE
  • Operative Surgery
  • Flashcards

Company

  • About Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Blog

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Copyright & DMCA
  • Refund Policy

Support

  • Help Center
  • Accessibility
  • Report an Issue
OrthoVellum

Ā© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Adult Reconstruction
intermediate
X-Type

Trunnionosis in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Bearing Surface Complications

A 58-year-old man presents with progressive groin pain and new thigh pain 5 years after modular metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty. He has a large-diameter femoral head (40mm) on a titanium stem. Serum cobalt and chromium levels are elevated. Radiographs show a well-fixed stem and cup with no obvious loosening. MRI with metal artifact reduction shows a large pseudotumor around the hip. Regarding trunnionosis in total hip arthroplasty:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Trunnionosis refers to adverse local tissue reactions from corrosion and fretting at the modular hea...

B

Clinical presentation includes pain (groin or thigh), swelling, and reduced range of motion; elevate...

C

Trunnionosis only occurs with metal-on-metal bearings; small femoral heads have higher risk; titaniu...

D

Pathophysiology involves fretting (micromotion) at the taper interface generating debris, which init...

E

Treatment depends on severity: close monitoring with serial imaging and metal ions for asymptomatic ...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option