Initial increased wear debris of XLPE-Al₂O₃ bearing in total hip arthroplasties.
BACKGROUND
Aseptic implant loosening caused by wear debris is a common reason for early implant failure after total hip replacement (THR).


METHODS
We prospectively studied 96 patients (110 hips), 48 men and 48 women (mean age 46.8 years, mean body mass index 26.1) who had undergone cementless THR (titanium stem, press-fit cup, Al(2)O(3) ball, XLPE liner) at a mean of 17.4 months (SD 13.4).


RESULTS
The semi-computerized evaluation of wear rate showed wear of 0.25 mm (SD 0.3) corresponding to a volume of 97.6 mm(3) (SD 121.1) during the first year. It was remarkable that the annual rate of wear was significantly lower in the second year: 0.14 mm (SD 0.1), 60.0 mm(3) (SD 78.7). The implant survival rate was 100%. However, two patients underwent revision surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Good, early functionality can be achieved by a cementless THR including a modular stem and a XLPE-Al(2)O(3) bearing system. The rate of wear debris for XLPE-Al(3)O(2) was much higher than expected within the first year after THR. However, after the initial running-in period a significant decrease of wear was documented, suggesting a biphasic abrasion [0.38 mm (SD 0.2) within the first year vs. 0.14 mm (SD 0.1)] after the running-in-period 1 year following surgery.
Jäger
Marcus
M
Department of Orthopaedics, Heinrich-Heine University Medical School, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany. Jaeger@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Behringer
Michael
M
Zilkens
Christoph
C
Matheney
Travis
T
Krauspe
Rüdiger
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020959:Polyethylene; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure
D020959:Polyethylene; D000537:Aluminum Oxide