title: Clinical performance of a highly cross-linked polyethylene at two years in total hip arthroplasty: a randomized prospective trial.
abstract: We report the 2-year results for a prospective randomized trial comparing highly cross-linked with standard polyethylene in total hip replacements. In our study, 46 hips were available for radiographic analysis at 2- and 3-year follow-up. Femoral bearings were 28-mm cobalt chrome with the polyethylene insert randomly selected at the time of implantation to be highly cross-linked polyethylene (Crossfire; Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, Allendale, NJ) or standard polyethylene (N(2)/Vac, Stryker Howmedica Osteonics). Polyethylene wear rates were measured based on anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral pelvis radiographs at 6 weeks and at yearly intervals using a validated computer-assisted edge-detection method. Wear rates between the 2 groups were compared using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test at the 95% level. A significant reduction in 2- and 3-dimensional linear wear rates (42% and 50%) was found in the highly cross-linked group (P =.001 and P =.005).
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, The University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Martell
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Verner
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Incavo
mesh_terms: D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D020959:Polyethylene; D011475:Prosthesis Failure
chemical_list: D020959:Polyethylene