Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of pelvic osteolysis following the use of a one piece all polyethylene acetabular component a mean of 9.6 years following implantation. The radiographs of 86 hips followed for a mean of 9.6 years were reviewed. All had had primary total hip arthroplasty using a titanium plasma spray backed all polyethylene acetabular component. Radiographs were assessed for pelvic osteolysis in the three zones described by Charnley and Delee. There was no osteolysis seen in any cup in any of the three zones. There were no loose cups and no obvious cup migration. This acetabular component shows superior performance compared with all two pieced components in terms of the development of pelvic osteolysis. The use of two-piece cups should be reviewed.
Correspondence should be addressed to the editorial secretary: Associate Professor Jean-Claude Theis, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.