201 IN VIVO WEAR OF LARGE FEMORAL HEADS ON HIGHLY CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE. (1st January 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aspey, B.; Beaulé, P. E.; Martell, J.; Ebramzadeh, E.; Amstutz, H. C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine. Volume 54:Number 1(2006)
• Page Start: S114
• Page End: S114
• Publication Date: 2006-01-01
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine; Research -- United States; Clinical medicine; Medicine -- Research; Periodicals; 616.075
• DOI: 10.2310/6650.2005.X0004.200
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1081-5589

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Highly cross-linked polyethylene has been shown in hip simulator studies to reduce wear by 80% to 90% when compared to conventional polyethylene. The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vivo wear of a highly cross-linked polyethylene against femoral head sizes larger than 32 mm. Materials and Methods: Volumetric and linear wear rates were measured in two groups of patients with femoral heads larger than 32 mm. Thirteen hips received a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner and 13 hips received a conventional polyethylene liner. Volumetric and linear wear rates were measured on radiographs with use of a validated computer-assisted technique ( Hip Analysis Suite, version 7.0). Results: The highly cross-linked polyethylene had a mean volumetric and linear wear rate of 117.5 ± 103.8 mm 3 and 0.15 ± 0.10 mm per year, respectively. The conventional polyethylene had a mean volumetric and linear wear rate of 375.7 ± 153.8 mm 3 and 0.36 ± 0.16 mm per year, respectively. The volumetric and linear wear rates in the group with the highly cross-linked polyethylene liner were 69% ( p < .0009) and 58% (p < .0007) lower, respectively. There was no significant difference in gender, age, weight, femoral head size, abduction angle, or UCLA activity score between the two groups. Discussion: While hip simulator studies predict a 80% to 90% reduction in wear, the difference between the in vitro and in vivo results could be a result of bedding-in-effect and creep. These are promising initial results that will improve the long-term survival of surface and total hip arthroplasties.