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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A growth-driven and strategic executive, Peter Coffaro commands more than 20 years of progressive management success within the orthopedic industry. Recognized by MedReps.com and the World Journal of Orthopedics as one of the top medical sales influencers in the industry; he has 10 years of combined sales management experience and has held positions as a Director, General Manager, Distributor and Vice President. Peter has worked for some of the top orthopedic companies in the world - Zimmer, DePuy and Stryker. He is also the founder of OrthoFeed: a popular blog that covers digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson and has an extensive background in organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing and professional education. Peter holds a B.S. degree in Biology from Northern Illinois University.