Fracture of a cross-linked polyethylene liner: a multifactorial issue.
A limited number of reports have detailed the cause of fracture of a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner. Typically, the fractures have occurred in a region of thin and/or unsupported polyethylene, in association with superiorly directed edge loading conditions secondary to an excessively inclinated acetabular component. This case report details an unusual fracture mechanism of a 5-mrad cross-linked liner caused by horizontal loading conditions. The report details several factors that were felt to be etiologic including the specific liner locking mechanism. The treatment options are discussed.
Blumenfeld
Thomas J
TJ
Sutter Medical Center, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California 95816, USA.
McKellop
Harry A
HA
Schmalzried
Thomas P
TP
Billi
Fabrizio
F
D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020878:Device Removal; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000601:surgery; D020959:Polyethylene; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing
D020959:Polyethylene