Alternative bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty.
Polyethylene wear and extension of indications of total hip arthroplasty into younger and younger age groups have pushed manufacturers to develop more durable bearing surfaces. Standard polyethylene, the plastic used for the first 3 decades of hip replacement, virtually ceases to exist in its original form. Modifications of the processing, including sterlization in an inert environment and cross-linking, have demonstrated some improvements in wear. Hard-on-hard bearings such as ceramic-on-ceramic and metal-on-metal also have demonstrated extremely low wear. This article reviews the pros and cons of the alternative bearing options available to assist in the proper bearing selection for a particular patient.
Inzerillo
V Christopher
VC
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Garino
Jonathan P
JP
D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D002516:Ceramics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011474:Prosthesis Design
D008670:Metals; D011095:Polyethylenes; D000537:Aluminum Oxide