Ceramic on highly cross-linked Polyethylene in cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Thirty six patients (42 hips) underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty using a porous-coated acetabular cup, highly cross linked polyethylene liner (Maratho™), and a extensively porous-coated femoral stem. One patient (1 hip) died and 2 patients (3 hips) were lost to follow-up. The remaining 33 patients (39 hips) were followed for 4 to 6 years. Their mean age at the index operation was 67 years. Clinical assessment was performed with use of the Harris hip score and radiographic analysis included measurements of acetabular component position, fixation, and osteolysis. The mean Harris hip score was 92 points at the time of final follow-up. Four patients (4 hips) had mild thigh pain. All acetabular and femoral components were bone-ingrown, and neither pelvic nor femoral osteolysis was identified. The subsequent head penetration, with elimination of the bedding-in wear, resulted in a linear wear rate of 0.032 +/- 0.02 mm per year. These early data support the continued use of this highly cross-linked polyethylene liner for total hip arthroplasty.