Highly cross-linked polyethylene liners showed reduced wear at 10-year follow-up

September 4, 2018 Depuy Synthes, Joint Replacement, Medical Devices, Medical Technology, Orthopedics

A significantly lower prevalence of osteolysis and revision was also found in the highly cross-linked polyethylene liner group.

Patients with degenerative hip disease who received a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner during total hip replacement experienced significantly reduced wear and had greater implant survival at 10 postoperative years than patients who received ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene liners, according to study results.

Peter A. Devane, MBChB, MSc, FRACS, and his colleagues randomly assigned 122 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty for degenerative hip disease to receive either a Enduron conventional ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene liner (UHMWPE) (DePuy) or a Marathon highly cross-linked polyethylene liner (XLPE) (DePuy). Researchers collected Oxford Hip Scores and SF-12 Healthy Survey scores in 91 patients who were available for follow-up at 10-years postoperatively. They also used validated software to analyze radiographs for osteolysis and for 2-dimensional, 3-D and volumetric wear.

Results showed a mean wear rate of 0.03 mm per year and of 0.27 mm per year for patients in the highly XLPE liner group and UHMWPE group, respectively. There was a significantly lower prevalence of osteolysis in the highly XLPE liner group at 10-years postoperatively. Despite that finding, Devane said in an interview with Orthopedics Today it was surprising osteolysis could still occur when highly cross-linked polyethylene was used.

“We believe the osteolysis seen with the highly [cross-linked polyethylene liner] XLPE in our study came from premature loosening of a less than optimal cemented femoral stem,” Devane told Orthopedics Today.

Similarly, patients in the highly XLPE group had a significantly lower revision rate, according to results, with 10 of 12 revisions being in the UHMWPE liner group. However, researchers found no significant differences between the groups based on the Oxford Hip Scores or SF-12 mental or physical well-being scores.

By Orthopedics Today (Healio)

Image Credit: DePuy Synthes

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About Peter Coffaro 605 Articles

A growth-driven and strategic executive, Peter Coffaro commands more than 20 years of progressive management success within the medical device industry. As a District Sales Manager for Stryker Orthopaedics, Peter was responsible for managing and directing a regional sales force to achieve sales and profit goals within the Rocky Mountain region. Previously, he was the Director of Sales & Marketing for Amp Orthopedics. In this role, Peter was responsible for planning, developing, and leading all sales and marketing initiatives. Peter is a former orthopedic distributor in the Pacific Northwest. He has also worked with DePuy Orthopaedics as well as Zimmer, and held positions in sales, sales training, and sales management. Peter has an extensive background in organizational development, business development, sales management, negotiating and P&L management. Peter holds a B.S. degree in Biology from Northern Illinois University.