Ceramic-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene THA had low wear properties in young patients

ORLANDO, Fla. — Young patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with ceramic-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings experienced low wear properties at mid-term follow-up, according to results presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.

“Ceramic-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene in young active patients provides excellent mid-term wear and component survivorship,” Jeffrey B. Stambough, MD, said in his presentation.

Stambough and his colleagues prospectively analyzed 220 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties performed among patients aged 50 years and younger. All components were a bearing combination of an alumina ceramic femoral head and a modern highly cross-linked polyethylene liner, according to researchers. Overall, 46% of patients received 28-mm heads and 54% received 32-mm heads. Patients had a mean follow-up of 5.5 years,

“Our outcomes showed no significant differences regardless of head size on any of the patient-reported outcome scores,” Stambough said.

He added, “The only one that did not significantly improve was the SF-12, and this was consistent across head size.”

When comparing 28-mm vs. 32-mm head sizes, Stambough noted there were no differences in outcome scores preoperatively or postoperatively. Results showed a linear wear of 0.025 mm per year, as well as a volumetric wear rate of 24.72 mm³ per year.

“We did find a significant difference in linear and volumetric wear rates, just in the female cohort, when we looked at 32-[mm] vs. 28-[mm] ceramic heads,” Stambough said.

He noted a mean linear wear rate of 0.01 per year among women with 28-mm ceramic heads vs. 0.048 per year in the 32-mm ceramic head group. Results also showed significantly different volumetric wear rates of 14.11 mm³ per year in women with 28-mm heads and of 29.71 mm³ per year in women with 32-mm heads.

“Revision-free survival for the group as a whole was 96%,” Stambough added. “There was no difference in survivorship or failure mechanisms based on head size, and no evidence of loosening in any patient.” – by Casey Tingle

Reference:

Stambough JB, et al. Paper #11. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 1-5, 2016; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: Stambough reports no relevant financial disclosures.