title: Cross-linked ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene liner and ceramic femoral head in total hip arthroplasty: a prospective study at 5 years follow-up.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent data indicate that enhanced wear resistance can be obtained with new cross-linked ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene (CL-UHMWPE) liners, in comparison with previous-generation liners. The current prospective, cohort study was undertaken to analyse whether the use of a new CL-UHMWPE (Rexpol) results in a lower wear rate than ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in a group of similar patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study provides the first clinical data with this particular CL-UHMWPE.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2001 and December 2001, patients underwent THA with biconical threaded cups and ceramic femoral heads using either a CL-UHMWPE liner (n = 50) or a regular UHMWPE liner (n = 57). At the time of the final 5-year evaluation, there were 48 patients available in the CL-UHMWPE and 54 patients available in the UHMWPE group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a mean 5.6 years follow-up, there were no significant differences between the groups in Harris Hip Score outcomes. However, there was a 69.1% decrease in wear at 5 years for the CL-UHMWPE group in comparison with the UHMWPE group (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of CL-UHMWPE significantly reduced the risk of polyethylene wear in patients undergoing THA with biconical threaded cups and ceramic femoral heads. Further follow-up is needed to determine how this will influence long-term outcomes.
authors: Orthopaedics Department of Clinica Ubarmin, Elcano (Pamplona) 31486, Spain. orradre.inigo@gmail.com
authors: Iñigo
authors: I
authors: Orradre Burusco
authors: Raquel
authors: R
authors: Romero
authors: Miriam
authors: M
authors: Brun
authors: Jose Javier
authors: JJ
authors: López Blasco
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D002516:Ceramics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes; C111601:ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene