Five-year comparative study of highly cross-linked (crossfire) and traditional polyethylene.
The purpose of this study was to compare the linear penetration rates of a highly cross-linked ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene to traditional polyethylene. Twenty-seven highly cross-linked components were matched to 27 traditional polyethylene components with respect to age, sex, body mass index, and activity level. Each group was followed up for a mean of approximately 6 years. Linear penetration was measured using Martell's computerized technique (J Bone Joint Surg Am 1997;79:1635). The mean total penetration was 0.283 mm (SD, 0.253) for the highly cross-linked group. The mean total penetration for the traditional polyethylene was 0.696 mm (SD, 0.402). This difference was highly significant (P < or = .001). Our experience demonstrates a 59% reduction in total penetration of highly cross-linked polyethylene when compared with traditional polyethylene at a minimum of 5 years.
Rajadhyaksha
Amar D
AD
Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College Department of Orthopaedics, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA.
Brotea
Cristian
C
Cheung
Yeukkei
Y
Kuhn
Courtney
C
Ramakrishnan
Rama
R
Zelicof
Steven B
SB
D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020959:Polyethylene