Wear Testing of Highly Crosslinked UHMWPE Against 36 Mm CoCr and 44 Mm Oxidized Zirconium Femoral Heads

Introduction

Large diameter femoral heads offer increased range of motion and reduced risk of dislocation. However, their use in total hip arthroplasty has historically been limited by their correlation with increased polyethylene wear. The improved wear resistance of highly crosslinked UHWMPE has led a number of clinicians to transition from implanting traditionally popular sizes (28mm and 32 mm) to implanting 36 mm heads. Desire to further increase stability and range of motion has spurred interest in even larger sizes (> 36 mm). While the long-term clinical ramifications are unknown, in-vivo measurements of highly crosslinked UHMWPE liners indicate increases in head diameter are associated with increased volumetric wear [1]. The goal of this study was to determine if this increase in wear could be negated by using femoral heads with a ceramic surface, such as oxidized Zr-2.5Nb (OxZr), rather than CoCrMo (CoCr). Specifically, wear of 10 Mrad crosslinked UHMWPE (XLPE) against 36 mm CoCr and 44 mm OxZr heads was compared.

Materials and Methods

Ram-extruded GUR 1050 UHMWPE was crosslinked by gamma irradiation to 10 Mrad, remelted, and machined into acetabular liners. Liners were sterilized using vaporized hydrogen peroxide and tested against either 36 mm CoCr or 44 mm OxZr (OXINIUM(tm)) heads (n=3). All implants were manufactured by Smith & Nephew (Memphis, TN).

Testing was conducted on a hip simulator (AMTI, Watertown, MA) as previously described [2]. The 4000N peak load (4 time body weight for a 102 kg/225 lb patient) and 1.15 Hz frequency used are based upon data obtained from an instrumented implant during fast walking/jogging and have previously been shown to generate measurable XLPE wear [2,3]. Lubricant was a serum (Alpha Calf Fraction, HyClone Laboratories, Logan, UT) solution that was replaced once per week [2]. Liners were weighed at least once every million cycles (Mcycle) over the duration of testing (∼ 5 Mcycle). Loaded soak controls were used to correct for fluid absorption. Single factor ANOVA was used to compare groups (a = 0.05).

Results

The predominant wear feature displayed on the articular surface of liners was burnishing. There were no signs of fatigue wear or of delamination. Mean wear rates (± std dev) of liners articulated against 36mm CoCr and 44 mm OxZr heads were 3.7 ± 0.4 mm³/Mcycle and 2.7 ± 0.4 mm³/Mcycle, respectively (Figure 1). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.04).

Discussion

Although large diameter heads offer biomechanical advantages, their use in total hip arthroplasty has historically been limited due to correlation with increased polyethylene wear. While highly crosslinked liners exhibit significantly improved wear resistance over conventional UHWMPE, their wear has also been shown to increase with head size [1]. Results presented here indicate that this increase in wear can be negated by using OxZr, rather than CoCr. Specifically, wear of XLPE liners was lower against 44 mm OxZr heads than against 36 mm CoCr heads.