Abstract
Oxidized zirconium, a material with a ceramic surface on a metal substrate, and highly cross-linked polyethylene are two materials developed to reduce wear. We measured in vivo femoral head penetration in patients with these advanced bearings. We hypothesized the linear wear rates would be lower than those published for cobalt-chrome and standard polyethylene. We retrospectively reviewed a select series of 56 THAs in a relatively young, active patient population utilizing oxidized zirconium femoral heads and highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners. Femoral head penetration was determined using the Martell computerized edge-detection method. All patients were available for 2-year clinical and radiographic followup. True linear wear was 4 μm/year (95% confidence intervals, ± 59 μm/year). The early wear rates in this cohort of relatively young, active patients were low and we believe justify the continued study of these alternative bearing surfaces.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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The institution of one or more of the authors (JMM) has received funding from Smith and Nephew, Inc, Memphis, TN.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was obtained.
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Garvin, K.L., Hartman, C.W., Mangla, J. et al. Wear Analysis in THA Utilizing Oxidized Zirconium and Crosslinked Polyethylene. Clin Orthop Relat Res 467, 141–145 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-008-0544-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-008-0544-5