Detailed Inspection of Metal Implants. Issue 3 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hothi, Harry S.; Berber, Reshid; Whittaker, Robert K.; Bills, Paul J.; Skinner, John A.; Hart, Alister J.
• Is Part Of: Hip international. Volume 25:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Hip -- Wear -- Bearing surface -- Retrieval analysis -- Material loss; Hip joint -- Pathophysiology -- Periodicals; Hip joint -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Hip joint -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.581005
• DOI: 10.5301/hipint.5000215
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-7000

Abstract

Detailed visual inspection of metal hips is the first step in retrieval analysis. In this study a systematic visual inspection protocol was developed to quantify bearing surface changes and their associations with material loss was investigated. Simple and multiple linear regression models found that moderate surface scratching, discolouration, haziness and the size of visible wear scars were all significantly associated with material loss (R 2 = 5%-73%, p<0.05). Visual inspection is not a substitute for measurement of material loss but an understanding of bearing surface changes may offer unique clues as to the mechanisms of failure of retrieved hips.