title: Fracture of a cross-linked polyethylene liner: a multifactorial issue.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Sutter Medical Center, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California 95816, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Blumenfeld
authors.forename: Harry A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: McKellop
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Schmalzried
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Billi
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D020959:Polyethylene