Abstract
Aims: Given that all previous reports on the increased-crystalinity, increased modulus of elasticity, yield strength and density Hylamer polyethylene have been based on observations on uncemented metal-backed acetabular cups, the aim of the present study is to investigate the rate of wear of a cemented Hylamer UHMWPE acetabular cup. Methods: 36 consecutive cases of THA (mean age: 54.7 years) using a cemented Hylamer UHMWPE acetabular cup and a cemented femoral stem were prospectively followed-up with yearly radiographs for an average period of 54.4 months. Two-dimensional femoral head penetration was determined from AP pelvic radiographs, using computeraided uniradiographic methodology. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify all predictor variables that may account for increased average linear and calculated volumetric wear (Kabo’s formula), as well as for increased total area of peri-prosthetic osteolysis on the femoral and acetabular sides. Results: The average linear wear rate was 0.35 mm/year (SD 0.12) with a significantly high average linear wear rate during the initial (‘wear-in’) period (approximately 12–18 months). The average total volumetric wear was calculated to 764.4 mm3 and the average volumetric wear rate to 169.8 mm3/year. Significant osteolysis was seen in an average of 1.5 (range: 0 to 7) out of the 7 Gruen zones on the femoral side and an average of 1 (range: 0 to 3) out of the 3 Charnley-Delee zones on the acetabular side. Conclusions: Increased rate of linear wear and a high rate of peri-prosthetic osteolysis have been observed in the early results of our series of cemented Hylamer UHMWPE acetabular cups.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.