Catastrophic failure of the polyethylene liner of uncemented acetabular components.
Ten cases are described of catastrophic failure of the polyethylene liner of three different designs of uncemented acetabular component. Failure occurred as a result of either 'wearthrough' to the metal backing, liner fracture or a combination of both, at a mean of 4.6 years after implantation (2 to 7.6). At revision there was metallosis in all hips and osteolysis of the femur or the pelvis in six. Catastrophic failure was seen only in cups with a minimum polyethylene thickness of less than 5 mm.
Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
D J
DJ
Berry
C L
CL
Barnes
R D
RD
Scott
M E
ME
Cabanela
R
R
Poss
D000077:Acetabulum; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011475:Prosthesis Failure
D011095:Polyethylenes