Highly crosslinked polyethylene liners in THA may yield promising implant survivorship, wear
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Use of highly crosslinked polyethylene liners during total hip arthroplasty may provide promising rates of implant survivorship and wear among young patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, according to published results.
Researchers evaluated clinical and radiographic results of 85 THAs performed with highly crosslinked polyethylene liners (Durasul, Zimmer) in 67 patients younger than 50 years of age with osteonecrosis of the femoral head and a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Researchers measured wear using computer software and evaluated osteolysis with the use of radiography and CT.
Results showed improvement in the mean Harris hip score from 49.3 points before surgery to 93.6 points after surgery. Researchers found no mechanical loosening in femoral and acetabular components, as well as no component revisions by the final follow-up evaluation. Osteolysis was not detected on radiographs or CT scans, according to results. Researchers noted a mean linear wear of 0.037 mm per year. Age, sex, weight, activity level, underlying cause of osteonecrosis, liner thickness and cup inclination did not influence liner penetration, according to results of the univariate regression analysis.
“We believe our encouraging results support the continued use of metal-on-[highly crosslinked polyethylene] HXLPE bearing couplings in this population because such couplings are not associated with the problems found with hard-on-hard bearing couplings, such as ceramic fracture and squeaking,” the authors wrote. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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