title: How have alternative bearings (such as metal-on-metal, highly cross-linked polyethylene, and ceramic-on-ceramic) affected the prevention and treatment of osteolysis?
abstract: Osteolysis is a multifactorial process dependent on surgical technique, implant design, patient factors, and material composition. Alternative bearing surfaces, such as highly cross-linked polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic, and metal-on-metal articular surfaces, have been introduced in an attempt to reduce wear and osteolysis following total hip arthroplasty. Intermediate-term follow-up data available suggest that the prevalence and severity of osteolysis may be reduced with these materials compared with conventional metal-on-polyethylene bearing surface couples. However, long-term data are presently unavailable; the future performance of these bearings awaits clinical validation.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA.
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Callaghan
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cuckler
authors.forename: James I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Huddleston
authors.forename: Jorge O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Galante
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002516:Ceramics; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008670:Metals; D010014:Osteolysis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020959:Polyethylene; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008670:Metals; D020959:Polyethylene