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Cross-linked polyethylene offers reduced wear and tear in THA

Patients who receive highly cross-linked polyethylene total hip arthroplasty components during surgery are likely to benefit from reduced wear and tear post-operatively.

According to new research presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, at seven-years follow up, cross-linked polyethylene had better durability than standard total hip arthroplasty components.

The research, conducted by scientists in Sweden and led by Per-Erik Johanson, also showed that proximal penetration in the highly cross-linked polyethylene increase markedly after five years.

"There seems to be a slow, average, constant penetration of polyethylene at seven years in these evaluations," Johanson was reported by Ortho Supersite as saying.

"We will need further follow-up to see if this increased wear will reflect in any alterations in the rates of osteolysis," he added.

Meanwhile, recent research published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery linked pseudotumours to increased hip resurfacing wear following metal-on-metal arthroplasty.

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