title: Detailed inspection of metal implants.
abstract: Detailed visual inspection of metal hips is the first step in retrieval analysis. In this study a systematic visual inspection protocol was developed to quantify bearing surface changes and their associations with material loss was investigated. Simple and multiple linear regression models found that moderate surface scratching, discolouration, haziness and the size of visible wear scars were all significantly associated with material loss (R2 = 5%-73%, p<0.05). Visual inspection is not a substitute for measurement of material loss but an understanding of bearing surface changes may offer unique clues as to the mechanisms of failure of retrieved hips.
authors.affiliation: 1 Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, Stanmore - UK.
authors.forename: Harry S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Hothi
authors.forename: Reshid
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Berber
authors.forename: Robert K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Whittaker
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Bills
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Alister J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061825:Metal-on-Metal Joint Prostheses / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013499:Surface Properties