Dumbleton et al. reviewed the THA literature to determine whether a polyethylene wear rate threshold for periprosthetic osteolysis could be established — and if so, what value would allow surgeons to stratify osteolysis risk and guide surveillance frequency.
When reviewing serial hip radiographs, use 0.1 mm/year as your surveillance trigger: patients above this threshold warrant more frequent follow-up for osteolysis, while 0.05 mm/year represents the target for bearing surface selection.
This framework directly supports preferential use of cross-linked polyethylene liners in active or younger patients where long-term wear accumulation is a concern.
Dumbleton et al. reviewed the THA literature to determine whether a polyethylene wear rate threshold for periprosthetic osteolysis could be established — and if so, what value would allow surgeons to stratify osteolysis risk and guide surveillance frequency.
When reviewing serial hip radiographs, use 0.1 mm/year as your surveillance trigger: patients above this threshold warrant more frequent follow-up for osteolysis, while 0.05 mm/year represents the target for bearing surface selection.
This framework directly supports preferential use of cross-linked polyethylene liners in active or younger patients where long-term wear accumulation is a concern.