The number of total shoulder arthroplasties has increased in the past years, with encouraging results. However, the survival of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) is lower compared with that of knee and hip replacements. Wear-associated problems like loosening are well-known causes of long-term failure of aTSA. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the wear behavior of ceramic-polyethylene bearings compared with the standard metal-polyethylene bearings. Because there is a lack of valid experimental wear testing methods, the secondary aim was to develop a validated wear simulation.
This is the first study that experimentally studied the wear behavior of aTSA based on patient-related and biomechanical data under load-controlled conditions. Regarding polyethylene wear, the analyzed aTSA could benefit from ceramic humeral heads.
Level of evidence: Basic Science Study; Biomechanics. Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
The number of total shoulder arthroplasties has increased in the past years, with encouraging results. However, the survival of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) is lower compared with that of knee and hip replacements. Wear-associated problems like loosening are well-known causes of long-term failure of aTSA. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the wear behavior of ceramic-polyethylene bearings compared with the standard metal-polyethylene bearings. Because there is a lack of valid experimental wear testing methods, the secondary aim was to develop a validated wear simulation.
This is the first study that experimentally studied the wear behavior of aTSA based on patient-related and biomechanical data under load-controlled conditions. Regarding polyethylene wear, the analyzed aTSA could benefit from ceramic humeral heads.
Level of evidence: Basic Science Study; Biomechanics. Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.