Abstract
Wear simulator studies suggest low wear rates of Alumina ceramic femoral heads with polyethylene total hip bearings. Short-term wear and clinical data of ceramic/highly crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) couples are under reported in the literature. A retrospective review was performed to determine and compare the wear rate for hips implanted with an Alumina ceramic femoral head and X3® poly-ethylene insert to the acceptable polyethylene wear rate in the literature.
We evaluated 70 primary total hip replacements performed at one institution, by two surgeons, from February 2006 through June 2007. At a minimum 2 year follow-up, calculated annual wear for the ceramic/X3® polyethylene articulations showed a significant decrease compared to literature reports of 0.1mm/year or greater for conventional polyethylene.
Radiographic and clinical outcomes show no loose implants, dislocations, ceramic fractures or revision surgeries at last follow-up. These early findings suggest that ceramic/X3® bearing couples may serve as an acceptable choice for the younger, active patient.
Correspondence should be addressed to Diane Przepiorski at ISTA, PO Box 6564, Auburn, CA 95604, USA. Phone: +1 916-454-9884; Fax: +1 916-454-9882; E-mail: ista@pacbell.net
