Retrieved metal-on-metal acetabular components are invaluable resources from which to investigate the wear behaviour of failed hip implants. New forensic and investigative techniques continue to be developed to help the surgeon further understand factors which contribute to early failure. We have developed a novel technique to locate the in vivo location of the primary wear scar of an explanted cup. Thirteen (13) patients with failed metal hip resurfacings were recruited and their acetabular components retrieved. A 3D wear map was generated and the precise location of the primary wear scar in each cup was identified using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). This wear scar position and location was noted in relation to standard landmarks on the acetabular cup. All patients underwent a computerised tomography (CT) scan prior to revision surgery. The 3D positional map from the CMM was then co-registered with the implant on the patient's pelvic 3D CT scan.Introduction
Patients/Materials & Methods
