Abstract
The aim was to evaluate the polyethylene wear in an uncemented all polyethylene titanium coated acetabular cup a minimium of ten years post-operatively, and to determine the effect of supine “stress” radiographs on 3-dimensional polyethylene wear, compared with “non-stress” radiographs.
Twenty seven hips in twenty five patients were examined, and standard and stress radiographs were performed. All radiographs were analysed using Polywear 5 auto, to measure 2d, 3d, and volumetric wear. Wear measurements were performed three times to minimise error. Radiographs were analysed for osteolysis.
There were 12 males and 13 females. Eighteen patients had a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.20 patients had a ceramic head and 7 a metal head. There was no association between wear rates and age, weight, diagnosis, Harris hip score or femoral head type. There was no acetabular osteolysis. The average linear wear was 0.11 +/− 0.08 mm/yr. The stress radiographs did not influence the 2D or 3D wear measurements.
This sudy shows a similar wear rate to most published series. The stress radiographs did not influence the wear measurements. The absence of osteolysis is of interest as other uncemented cups have significant osteolysis at ten years.
The abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to NZOA at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.