Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) liners used for primary THA have demonstrated lower wear rates than noncrosslinked, conventional polyethylene (CPE) liners through the first decade of clinical service. However, little high-quality evidence is currently available regarding the second decade performance of these implants and it remains uncertain whether the onset of osteolysis has simply been delayed or if the wear associated with XLPE liners will remain low enough that osteolysis will not occur. It is also unknown how the potential reductions in wear and osteolysis will influence long-term revision rates.
Do patients who underwent THA with XLPE liners demonstrate (1) a lower rate of revision for wear-related complications; (2) a reduced wear rate; and (3) a lower frequency of osteolysis compared with those with CPE liners?
This randomized study with followup into the second decade demonstrated reductions in revision, wear, and osteolysis associated with the use of XLPE. The low wear rates and absence of any mechanical failures among the XLPE liners at long-term followup affirm the durability of these components that did not incorporate antioxidants. Although osteolysis has not been eliminated, it occurs infrequently and has not caused any clinical problems to date.
Level of evidence: Level I, therapeutic study. Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) liners used for primary THA have demonstrated lower wear rates than noncrosslinked, conventional polyethylene (CPE) liners through the first decade of clinical service. However, little high-quality evidence is currently available regarding the second decade performance of these implants and it remains uncertain whether the onset of osteolysis has simply been delayed or if the wear associated with XLPE liners will remain low enough that osteolysis will not occur. It is also unknown how the potential reductions in wear and osteolysis will influence long-term revision rates.
Do patients who underwent THA with XLPE liners demonstrate (1) a lower rate of revision for wear-related complications; (2) a reduced wear rate; and (3) a lower frequency of osteolysis compared with those with CPE liners?
This randomized study with followup into the second decade demonstrated reductions in revision, wear, and osteolysis associated with the use of XLPE. The low wear rates and absence of any mechanical failures among the XLPE liners at long-term followup affirm the durability of these components that did not incorporate antioxidants. Although osteolysis has not been eliminated, it occurs infrequently and has not caused any clinical problems to date.
Level of evidence: Level I, therapeutic study. Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.