Up to 18-Year Follow-Up Wear Analysis of a First-Generation Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

The advent of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HCLPE) has significantly improved total hip arthroplasty survivorship. HCLPE has been shown to improve wear properties in midterm outcomes when compared to traditional polyethylene liners; however, there is a paucity of studies evaluating long-term outcomes. In addition, there is concern that wear rates may accelerate as the implant ages. Thus, the aims of this study are to report on the longest-to-date follow-up of a specific first-generation HCLPE liner and to determine whether there is a change in the annual wear rate over time.

Unexpected Wear of a Uniquely Designed Moderately Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundA uniquely designed, non–heat-treated moderately cross-linked acetabular polyethylene liner used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) demonstrated excessive wear during routine follow-up, prompting an evaluation of the linear wear rate.MethodsAll THAs were performed by the senior author. The study group included 38 THAs using the uniquely designed polyethylene in question, compared to a control group of 21 THAs using another moderately cross-linked polyethylene with good 10-year outcomes. Two-dimensional linear head penetration wear measurements were obtained using the Martell Hip Analysis Suite, and retrieval analysis was performed on two liners.ResultsThe study group had a significantly higher average penetration rate of 0.089 mm/y than the control group average rate of 0.047 mm/y (P = .04). Forty-five percent of the study group had a wear rate above the osteolysis threshold (0.1 mm/y), compared to 24% in the control group. Macroscopic analysis of two retrieved liners validated the radiographic findings.ConclusionThe data suggest unexpectedly higher wear rates for a moderately cross-linked polyethylene design, with nearly half of the study group at risk for osteolysis. Further registry or database analyses of this particular moderately cross-linked polyethylene are warranted.     

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty With Alumina-on-Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Bearing in Young Patients With Femoral Head Osteonecrosis

We asked whether total hip arthroplasties (THAs) using alumina-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing would improve functional activity and reduce aseptic loosening, polyethylene wear, and osteolysis. Consecutive primary THAs were performed in 71 patients (73 hips) who were younger than 50 years (mean age, 45.5 years) with femoral head osteonecrosis. There were 48 men (50 hips) and 23 women (23 hips). Osteolysis was evaluated using radiographs and computed tomographic scanning. The average follow-up was 8.5 years (range, 7-9 years). The mean preoperative Harris hip score was 50.6 points, which improved to 96 points at the final follow-up. Preoperative functional activity was improved significantly at the latest follow-up. The mean polyethylene linear penetration was 0.05 ± 0.02 mm/y and no hip had aseptic loosening or osteolysis.     

Long-Term Follow-Up of Conventional Polyethylene in Total Hip Arthroplasty in Young Patients: Heightened Wear-Related Complications Are Observed at the Beginning of the Third Decade

BackgroundConventional polyethylene (CPE) was used widely in the past as a bearing surface in total hip arthroplasty (THA). As CPE THAs age and the revision burden continues to grow, it is increasingly important to understand the durability and failure mechanisms of this bearing material. Currently, such long-term data remain limited, particularly in younger, more active patients in whom wear issues are of greater concern.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 90 hips (77 patients) that underwent primary THA with CPE bearings on cobalt chrome femoral heads at age ≤50 years at 20-year minimum follow-up (mean 21.6 [20-23]). We analyzed polyethylene wear rates, clinical outcomes (modified Harris Hip Score, University of California, Los Angeles Activity Score), and implant survivorship.ResultsWear analysis revealed a median linear wear rate of 0.113 mm/y (95% CI 0.102-0.148) and a median volumetric wear rate of 41.20 mm³/y (95% CI 43.5-61.0). Modified Harris Hip Scores remained 37 points above preoperative baseline (P < .001) and University of California, Los Angeles scores 1.4 points above baseline (P = .018) at 21.6-year mean follow-up. Twenty-nine hips (32.2%) were revised, 20 of which (22.2%) were wear-related at a median of 15.4 years (interquartile range 11.4-19.5). Survivorship free from wear-related revision was 95.6% (95% CI 88.7-98.3), 87.9% (78.6-93.3), 78.1% (49.6-66.5), and 61.1% (41.3-67.0) at 10, 15, 20, and 25 years.ConclusionWear-related issues developed at increasingly high rates after 15 years, suggesting the need for surveillance after this time. The long-term wear and survivorship data of this study may be used as a benchmark when evaluating the performance of contemporary bearings in young, active THA patients.     

Hylamer vs Conventional Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Long-Term Case-Control Study of Wear Rates and Osteolysis

The long-term results of Hylamer implants have not been reported previously. Clinical and radiographic results of a consecutive series of 43 patients (45 hips) who had primary total hip arthroplasty using Hylamer liners were compared with those of 37 patients (43 hips) who had conventional liners after 10-year follow-up. The linear wear rates for Hylamer and conventional polyethylene acetabular liners were 0.21 and 0.20 mm/y, respectively. The number of pelvic osteolytic lesions and their size detected on plain radiographs were significantly greater for Hylamer liners. Seven Hylamer hips were revised or are pending revision for osteolysis (16%) compared with 1 control hip. Close radiographic surveillance of patients who have Hylamer liners and evidence of osteolysis found on plain radiographs is warranted.     

10-Year Follow-Up Wear Analysis of Marathon Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Short-term and intermediate-term wear rates for highly cross-linked polyethylene (HCLPE) liners in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are significantly lower than published rates for traditional polyethylene liners. The aim of this study was to report the longest-to-date follow-up of a specific HCLPE liner.

Total Hip Arthroplasty After Hip Arthroscopy Has Increased Complications and Revision Risk

BackgroundThere has been an increase in hip arthroscopy (HA) over the last decade. After HA, some patients may ultimately require a total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, there is a scarcity of research investigating the outcomes in patients undergoing THA with a history of ipsilateral HA.MethodsThe PearlDiver research program (www.pearldiverinc.com) was queried to capture all patients undergoing THA between 2015 and 2020. Propensity matching was performed to match patients undergoing THA with and without a history of ipsilateral THA. Rates of 30-day medical complications, 1-year surgical complications, and THA revision were compared using multivariate logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to estimate survival probabilities of each of the groups with patients undergoing THA .ResultsAfter propensity matching, cohorts of 1940 patients undergoing THA without prior HA and 1940 patients undergoing a THA with prior HA were isolated for analysis. The mean time from HA to THA was 1127 days (standard deviation 858). Patients with a history of ipsilateral HA had an increased risk for dislocation (odds ratio [OR] 1.56, P = .03) and overall decreased implant survival within 4 years of undergoing THA (OR 1.53; P = .05). Furthermore, our data demonstrate the timing of previous HA to be associated with the risk of complications, as illustrated by the increased risk for dislocation (OR 1.75, P = .03), aseptic loosening (OR 2.18, P = .03), and revision surgery at 2 (OR 1.92, P = .02) and 4 years (OR 2.05, P = .01) in patients undergoing THA within 1 year of HA compared twitho patients undergoing THA more than 1 year after HA or with no previous history of HA.ConclusionPatients undergoing THA after HA are at an increased risk for surgical complications, as well as the need for revision surgery.     

Long-Term Outcomes of Cementing Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Liners Into Well-Fixed Acetabular Shells in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundCementing a new liner into a secure, well-positioned metallic shell can be a less-invasive strategy in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to report the mean 14-year outcomes of cementing highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners into well-fixed acetabular shells in revision THAs.MethodsThis study reviewed a single-surgeon series of cementing XLPE liners into well-fixed acetabular components. Of the 52 hips (51 patients) evaluated, 48 hips (47 patients) that satisfied a minimum follow-up of 10 years were included. The Harris Hip score was used for clinical evaluation. Final hip radiographs were used to determine the extent of acetabular osteolysis and stability of the components. The mean age at index operation was 53 years (range, 32 to 72). The mean follow-up duration was 14 years (range, 10 to 18).ResultsThe mean Harris Hip score improved from 58 points (range, 23-81) preoperatively to 91 points (range, 45-100) at the final evaluation (P < .001). A total of 3 acetabular rerevisions were performed, all for aseptic loosening of the outer shell. One postoperative dislocation occurred, but it was successfully treated with a closed reduction. Final radiographs showed a significant reduction in acetabular osteolysis (P < .001). Implant survivorship free from any rerevision was 93.3% (95% confidence interval, 85.9-100%) at 14 years.ConclusionCementing an XLPE liner into a well-fixed acetabular shell in revision THA demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes at a mean of 14 years postoperatively. This technique could be a safe and durable option in the absence of XLPE liners compatible with preimplanted shells.     

The Relationship Between Polyethylene Wear and Periprosthetic Osteolysis in Total Hip Arthroplasty at 12 Years in a Randomized Controlled Trial Cohort

Background

Polyethylene acetabular components are common in hip arthroplasty. Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has lower wear than ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Evidence suggests that wear particles induce inflammation causing periprosthetic osteolysis contributing to implant loosening with wear rates of 0.05 mm/y were considered safe. We aimed to compare incidence and volume of periacetabular osteolysis between HXLPE and UHMWPE using computed tomography.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Patients Younger Than 50 Years With Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relatively long-term outcomes in 50 patients (54 hips) younger than 50 years of age who underwent total hip arthroplasty using highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners. With a minimum follow-up of 10 years, mean age at time of surgery was 38.9 years (range, 15–50 years). Survivorship was 100%. There was no radiographic evidence of osteolysis or component loosening. Mean steady-state femoral head penetration rate was 0.020 ± 0.0047 mm/yr. Clinical outcomes were excellent, with mean Harris hip score of 91.2 (range, 72–99) points at final follow-up.     

Standing Versus Supine Radiographs to Evaluate Femoral Head Penetration in the Polyethylene Liner After Total Hip Arthroplasty

The linear penetration rates for ceramic femoral heads on conventional and highly cross-linked polyethylene were measured and compared with radiographs taken in the standing and supine position taken three weeks postoperatively and at final follow-up. Seventy-five patients (83 hips) with conventional polyethylene (group-1) and two hundred and seventy five patients (300 hips) with highly cross-linked polyethylene (group-2) were studied. Follow-up periods were 14.5 years in group-1 and 8.6 years in group-2. The average penetration rates in group-1 were 0.17 mm/year in supine position and 0.18 mm/year in standing position (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the rates in group-2 were 0.03 mm/year and 0.04 mm/year respectively (P < 0.05). Although there were statistical differences between groups, 0.01 mm differences are probably not clinically relevant.     

Clinical Results of the Wear Performance of Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Total Hip Arthroplasty : Prospective Randomized Trial

To investigate the clinical results of cross-linked polyethylene (CLPE) and to compare the CLPE wear against zirconia and stainless steel heads, we studied the radiographic wear after a minimum 3-year follow-up in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Ninety-four hips were randomly implanted with a 22.225-mm head cemented THA—the group of non-CLPE against zirconia and CLPE against 2 different zirconias and stainless steel. The linear wear rate was significantly lower in the group of CLPE against zirconia (0.067, 0.059 mm/y) and against stainless steel (0.068 mm/y) compared with non-CLPE against zirconia (0.170 mm/y). In the short-term results, the wear performance of CLPE against zirconia was superior to that of non-CLPE; however, it did not show a better wear rate than CLPE against stainless steel. Furthermore, long-term investigations will be necessary for understanding CLPE wear in vivo.     

Minimum Five-Year Follow-Up Wear Measurement of Longevity Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Cup Against Cobalt-Chromium or Zirconia Heads

We investigated the efficacy of combining highly cross-linked polyethylene with ceramic heads on further reduction in polyethylene wear compared with the combination with cobalt-chromium heads via PolyWare computer-assisted method. A prospective cohort study was performed on 102 cementless total hip arthroplasties using Longevity (Zimmer, Warsaw, Ind) highly cross-linked polyethylene liners. Either 26-mm zirconia heads or 26-mm cobalt-chromium heads were randomly used in 51 hips each. At a mean follow-up of 6.7 years, no significant differences were identified between the groups for total penetration rate and steady-state wear rate. Osteolysis was not observed in any hips in either group. In conclusion, no advantage was seen for the 26-mm zirconia head compared with the 26-mm cobalt-chromium head in this period.     

Complications After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Medicare Population

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and types of complications after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) within the first year, and determine the relative risk factors for these complications and of re-revision.

Conventional Polyethylene in Total Hip Arthroplasty in Young Patients: Survivorship,Wear Analysis,and Clinical Outcomes Between 15 and 20 Years

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a successful procedure for most patients. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the long-term performance of conventional polyethylene (CPE) bearings in young patients undergoing THA.

Vascular Complications After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Four cases of vascular complications in connection with total hip replacement are reported and another 25 cases from the literature summarized. Acute intraoperative injuries most often give rise to severe haemorrhage. Delayed injuries with pseudoaneurysm formation or thrombosis give rise to hip pain, distal ischaemia or haemorrhage when a prosthesis is extracted. There is a dominance of female patients and left-sided operations and cases complicated with infections and reoperations. Aetiologic and therapeutic considerations are discussed.     

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes Between Standard and Elevated-Rim Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Acetabular Liners in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Minimum 15-Year Follow-Up: Single-Center,Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundThe aims of the present study are to (1) conduct the longest-to-date follow-up wear analysis of the highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners, (2) assess the incidence of femoral and acetabular osteolysis, and (3) compare the surgical outcomes between standard and elevated-rim acetabular liners in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 112 primary THAs performed by a single experienced arthroplasty surgeon at our institution between March 2000 and December 2003. Patients were classified based on the type of acetabular liner used: standard or elevated-rim liner. For evaluation of surgical outcomes, the following data were collected: acetabular cup position (anteversion and inclination), wear rate (linear and volumetric), presence of osteolysis, history of reoperation (all-cause and wear-related), complications (deep joint infection, dislocation, and periprosthetic fracture), and Harris hip score at last follow-up.ResultsLinear and volumetric wear rates were 0.028 mm/y (0.000-0.145 mm/y) and 11.641 mm³/y (0.000-70.000 mm³/y) in the standard group and 0.026 mm/y (0.000-0.094mm/y) and 9.706 mm³/y (0.000-33.000 mm³/y) in the elevated-rim group, respectively. These rates were not significantly different between groups. One case of osteolysis was confirmed in the standard group, whereas no osteolysis was observed in the elevated-rim group.ConclusionWe suggest that elevated-rim highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners might be a good implant option that can be used safely.