The need for a more durable, metal free, non-osteolytic particle generating material in Total Hip Replacement (THR) is urgently required to reduce revision surgeries. Current used materials; ceramic, metal and UHMWPE remain discrepant for long-term use. Polyimide (MP-1™) is a high performance biopolymer, originating from aerospace industry. MP-1™ is heat resistant, highly cross-linked and exhibits a self-lubrication property required for bearings and articulating joints. Being resistant to fatigue, creep and chemicals and serializable by autoclave or irradiation, MP-1™ is ideal for medical devices. Finalizing pre-clinical testing, two patients were implanted 13 years ago after informed consent. A PM (Post Mortem) retrieval at 6.5 years, showed no measureable wear, a bland synovium, and no osteoclastic or bone marrow reaction. The 13Y patients' hip, a revision from Polyethylene wear to MP-1™, has an unchanged radiograph and is fully active (Fig. 1). The Ethical Committee approved 100 patients with a single surgeon (PJB) post-marketing trial running Delta ceramic femoral ball against MP-1™ liner. Age range is from 81 to 33 years. The younger patients now being offered MP-1™, in view of the retrieval data. The MP-1™ acetabular liner is 4mm thick, as currently used in a LIMA PF shell, which replaces polyethylene, ceramic or dual mobility options. Out of the 78 enrolled patients, 52 patients have the implant for more than 5 years. The only “Complications” in a few patients was an initial squeak which spontaneously disappears by 10 days and never returns. This is likely due to reduced clearance between head and liner and likely easily correctable. There have been no dislocations or restrictions on activity level. Oxford and Harris Hip scores along with radiology, blood and clinical examination are collected during follow-up. MP-1™ liner on Delta ceramic head in THA, or in the future with MP-1 head, looks very promising with advantages of ease of sterilization, insignificant wear, no tissue reactivity and ability to have thin section and larger femoral heads if desired for larger range of motion. MP-1™ biomaterial is used for other medical devices as well such as dental implants and trauma nails, plates and screws. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly.
