Abstract:
Between 1971 and 1978, 62 patients underwent total hip replacements (THRs) with high-dose (100 Mrad) gamma-irradiated polyethylene sockets. After a mean follow-up of 17. 3 years (range, 6–23 years), 28 hips in 26 patients were available for radiographic wear measurement. Twenty-three THRs with non-irradiated sockets were used as controls, although all these hips had loosened within 13 years. The rate of linear wear in irradiated sockets was significantly lower throughout the follow-up period (less than 2 years, 0.16 and 0.38 mm/year; 2–6 years, 0.05 and 0.29 mm/year; more than 6 years, 0.05 and 0.28 mm/year, respectively; mean, P < 0.0001). This result has demonstrated that high-dose gamma-irradiated, cross-linked polyethylene is a promising articulating material for THRs.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received for publication on Oct. 1, 1999; accepted on Nov. 28, 1999
About this article
Cite this article
Oonishi, H., Kadoya, Y. Wear of high-dose gamma-irradiated polyethylene in total hip replacements. J Orthop Sci 5, 223–228 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s007760050155
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s007760050155