Acetabular Liner Research Articles

Wear of Third-Generation Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Analysis

BackgroundSequential modifications to the manufacturing process of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) have improved the wear resistance and implant survival of these liners in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, no study has examined the long-term (mean 10 year) wear rates and clinical outcomes of third-generation HXLPE in THA. The aim of our study was to report the longest-to-date analysis of wear rates and clinical outcomes of a third-generation HXLPE liner. MethodsA series of 133 THAs using a specific HXLPE acetabular liner were retrospectively evaluated. Linear and volumetric wear rates were determined using a validated radiographic technique and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for accelerated wear. ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 10.4 years (range, 8 to 13.4), the mean linear wear rate was 0.0172 mm/year and the mean volumetric wear rate was 16.99 mm3/year. There were no instances of osteolysis or mechanical failures at any time point and there was a 100% acetabular component survival rate. Younger age and use of offset liners were independent risk factors for increased wear (P < .01 for both). ConclusionsOur series of a third-generation HXLPE demonstrated very low wear rates and excellent implant survival at a mean of 10.4 years following primary THA. Future comparative studies at the 15- and 20-year follow-up timepoints are necessary to determine if such findings translate to true improvements in the tribological properties and longevity of these liners when compared to previous generations of HXLPE liners.

Evaluating the Feasibility and Reproducibility of a Novel Insertion Method for Modular Acetabular Ceramic Liners.

Modern hip implants have a modular design. In case of wear or other damage it allows surgeons to change the tribological partners, i.e., the acetabular liner and femoral ball. In both revision and primary surgery, the secure joining of the implant components is important for the success of the operation. The two components, namely the ceramic liner and hip cup, are connected via a conical press connection and should be concentrically aligned to avoid chipping. Malseated liners can reduce the life span in situ. The amount of the joining force, which is usually applied via a hammer, depends on the surgeon. In this study, an alternative joining method for acetabular ceramic liners in hip cups was investigated, which intends to make the process more reproducible and thus safer. For this purpose, a handpiece was used to apply a defined force impulse of 4 kN. For the concentric alignment of a ceramic liner in the hip cup, an adapter was developed based on findings via a qualitative finite element (FE) analysis. Insertion and pushout tests of the acetabular cup-liner connection were performed in the laboratory with the new instrument (handpiece with the connected adapter) to evaluate the functionality of the instrument and the reproducibility of the new insertion method. For comparison, liners and acetabular cups were joined using a testing machine according to the standard. The presented results demonstrate the technical proof-of-concept of the new joining method under laboratory conditions. They meet the acceptance criteria of established manufacturers, which proves the equivalency to proven methods for joining modular implant components. To verify the improvement of the new joining method compared to the conventionally used joining method, an application-oriented study with different surgeons and the new joining instrument under clinical conditions is necessary.

A Geometric Analysis of Polyethylene Liners Exposed to Acrylic-based Bone Cement.

Acrylic-based bone cement (polymethyl methacrylate [PMMA]) is a material commonly used in orthopaedic surgeries; however, during PMMA polymerization, a highly exothermic reaction occurs. The heat released in polymerization can damage nearby materials including poorly heat-resistant cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). Both PMMA and XLPE are used in total hip arthroplasty and could interact during femoral stem fixation. We sought to determine if the exothermic polymerization of PMMA could alter the surface characteristics of XLPE acetabular liners. Six XLPE liners were assigned to one of 4 experimental categories with varying volumes of PMMA applied in a manner that mimicked how the 2 materials would come into contact intraoperatively. Measurements were taken both pre- and post-intervention using a coordinate measuring machine for geometric and gravimetric analysis. Light microscopy was conducted postintervention to examine the surface for damage. Coordinate measuring machine measurements showed minimal gross deformation in all 6 liners, but there were isolated surface deposits in 4 of 6 liners. The average maximal surface deviations, when compared to the control, for liners exposed to 1 cc of cement, 2 cc of cement, or 1 cc of cement with a femoral head implant attached were 26.6 μm, 77.2 μm, and 26.4 μm, respectively. All but one liner showed an increase in volume following intervention when compared to the control. Subtle scratches were identified using light microscopy on all 6 liners. XLPE shows areas of isolated surface deformation in a dose-dependent manner but with minimal gross deformation after interacting with highly exothermic PMMA.

A novel method of fabricating multi‐material acetabular liner using fused filament fabrication

AbstractTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) involves the replacement of damaged or worn‐out hip components with artificial implants. Frequently revision surgeries were performed due to the failure of the implant. The liners are the ones that are replaced in the majority of the revision surgeries. Researchers are constantly finding different materials to overcome the difficulties being faced. The acetabular liners are fabricated by compression molding and milling using single materials such as Polyethylene, Polyether–ether–ketone (PEEK), and recently Ultra‐High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), and so forth. Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) being biocompatible and cheaper than UHMWPE is employed in the research. The biodegradable nature of PLA is countered by introducing a nonbiodegradable yet biocompatible High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS). This research attempts to propose and fabricate a novel design of the liner with PLA sandwiched between HIPS by fused filament fabrication, the widely used additive manufacturing technique. The dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of the liners are measured and compared with single‐material liners. The multi‐material liner demonstrated superior dimensional accuracy compared to PLA liner and also exhibiting a smoother surface finish. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis is conducted to determine the capability of printing and also the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images are used for supporting the results.Highlights Novel design of Acetabular Liner. Use of additive manufacturing for fabrication of implant parts. More than one material used to reap benefits from the two materials used. Measurement of dimensional accuracy, surface roughness of multi‐material liner. Comparison of single and multi‐material liner.

Ten Year Outcomes of Contemporary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients are Favorable

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess 10-year patient-reported outcome measures, complications, polyethylene wear-rates, and implant survivorships in patients ≤30 years of age treated with contemporary total hip arthroplasty (THA). MethodsWe retrospectively assessed 121 patients (144 hips) who underwent THA at age ≤30 years (mean 23 [range, 11 to 30]) at an average follow-up duration of 10.7 years (range, 8 to 17). Highly-crosslinked polyethylene acetabular liners were used in all cases. Femoral heads were ceramic (74%) or cobalt-chrome (26%). There were 52 hips (36%) that had previous surgery and 31 hips (22%) were in patients who had associated major systemic comorbidities. We analyzed the modified Harris Hip scores, University of California Los Angeles Activity Scores, major complications, polyethylene wear-rates, and implant survivorships. ResultsAt final follow-up, the average modified Harris Hip scores improved from 47 (±15.1) to 81 (±19.5) with an average 34-point improvement. The University of California Los Angeles scores improved from 4.0 (±2.3) to 6.0 (±2.4). The major complication rate was 5.6%. There were 6 hips (4.2%) that were revised. Indications for revision included instability (3, 2.1%), late infection (1, 0.7%), liner dissociation (1, 0.7%), and acetabular loosening (1, 0.7%). Mean linear (0.0438 mm/y) and volumetric (29.07 mm3/y) wear rates were low. No periprosthetic osteolysis was detected in any hip. Survivorship free from revision for any reason was 97.2, 95.8, and 95.8% at 5, 10, and 15 years. ConclusionsContemporary THA in patients ≤30 years of age is associated with marked clinical improvements at 10-year follow-up and encouraging survivorship estimates at 15 years.

Computational nodal displacement analysis of acetabulum fossa for injection molded cemented polyethylene acetabular liner

The acetabular liner (AL) is one of the key components that determine the functionality and durability of the total hip joint replacement (THR) device. The performance of Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based AL depends critically on the manufacturing route and its properties, which are evaluated pre-clinically using a host of experimental and computational analyses. The conventional manufacturing of an AL involves multiple stages, including extrusion/compression molding followed by machining, which is time/cost intensive and leads to material loss. In such a scenario, injection molding is a promising alternative, yet its feasbility remains unexplored for the manufacturing of AL for THA applications. Against this backdrop, the two-fold objectives of this work are to report our recent efforts to establish the efficacy of the injection molding of new generation UHMWPE biomaterial; HU (60 wt% HDPE- 40 wt% UHMWPE blend) for manufacturing AL prototype and to present the key biomechanical response analysis of this prototype, in silico. A range of manufacturing relevant material properties, as well as customized mold design to manufacture HU-based AL with external design features, are discussed. Such guidelines are particularly relevant to mold polymeric parts with a higher thickness (>8 mm). As part of the pre-clinical validation of AL with new design features, a less explored in silico approach to assess biomechanical micro-strain in the acetabulum fossa is presented, and the results are analysed in accordance with the mechanostat theory. The outcomes revealed that for a 100 kg subject weight, average micro-strain in the remodelling region was 1132, while it was determined as 723 for a 55 kg subject weight. Such results highlight the influence of subject weight on micro-strain generation and distribution in the acetabulum fossa. The von Mises stress in AL also increased with subject weight from 17 MPa in a subject weight of 55 kg to 28 MPa in a subject weight of 100 kg. Taken together, this work demonstrates the feasibility and competence of this new generation biomaterial in terms of implant manufacturing via injection molding with a clinically desired biomechanical response.

Polyethylene thickness does not influence aseptic revision rate with highly cross-linked liners in THA with 36-mm femoral heads.

To reduce the risk of dislocation, larger head size can be used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, larger head size leads to thinner acetabular liners. With conventional polyethylene, thickness of >8 mm has been advocated to reduce stress and wear rate of the polyethylene. Modern polyethylene has become more wear-resistant. In this study, we investigated if the thickness of sequentially cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners is associated with failure of THA in the medium term. 3654 THAs were included (2009-2016), in which THA was performed with a XLPE liner in combination with a 36-mm femoral head. Patient and surgical characteristics were collected. We compared implant survival of THA with thin liners (<7.9 mm) and thick liners (⩾7.9 mm) with a Kaplan Meier survival analysis at 5 years, median follow-up and 10 years of follow-up with and point aseptic loosening and performed a multivariate analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HR). Median follow-up was 7.7 years (IQR 5.6-9.8). In total, 179 revision procedures were performed, where 82 revisions (46%) were performed for aseptic loosening. The survival rate at 5 years, median and 10 years of follow-up showed no statistically significant difference in implant survival. The survival rate at 10 years follow-up was for thin liners 97.1% (95% CI, 96.3-97.9) and for thick liners 98.2% (95% CI, 97.4-99.0) in the aseptic loosening group (chi-square 2.55; p = 0.11).The adjusted HR for thick liners (⩾7.9 mm) was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.38-1.08) compared with the thin liners (<7.9 mm), which was not significantly different. From this single-centre retrospective study it appears that thinner polyethylene liners are well tolerated when using second-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene. Thickness of the XLPE liners did not influence the risk of aseptic loosening of the implants in the medium term.

Articulating Hip Spacers with a Constrained Acetabular Liner: Effect of Acetabular Bone Loss and Cementation Quality.

Articulating hip spacers for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) offer numerous advantages over static spacers such as improved patient mobilization, hip functionality, and soft tissue tension. Our study aimed to determine complication rates of a functional articulating spacer using a constrained liner to determine the role of acetabular cementation mantle and bone loss on the need for second-stage surgery. A retrospective review of 103 patients was performed and demographic information, spacer components and longevity, spacer-related complications, reinfection rates, and grade of bone loss and acetabular cement mantle quality were determined. There was no significant difference in spacer-related complications or reinfection rate between PJI and native hip infections. 33 of 103 patients (32.0%) elected to retain their spacers. Between patients who retained their initial spacer and those who underwent reimplantation surgery, there was not a significant difference in cement mantle grade (p = 0.52) or degree of bone loss (p = 0.78). Functional articulating antibiotic spacers with cemented constrained acetabular liners demonstrate promising early results in the treatment of periprosthetic and native hip infections. The rate of dislocation events was low. Further efforts to improve cement fixation may help decrease the need for second-stage reimplantation surgery.

In vivo creep and wear performance of vitamin-E-diffused highly crosslinked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty.

An acetabular liner thickness of around 6mm remains the "gold standard" in total hip arthroplasty. Some surgeons have been recommending the use of the thickest possible liner because contact stress and strain in articulating surfaces decrease with increasing the wall thickness. The purpose of this study was to determine whether in vivo creep and wear performance could be enhanced using a thicker liner over the standard thickness in vitamin-E-diffused highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE). One hundred and twenty-two hips were allocated to age-matched, sex-matched, and body mass index-matched two subgroups implanted either with a 6.8- or 8.9-mm-thick vitamin-E-diffused HXLPE liner against 28-mm cobalt-chrome femoral head, and followed-up for 7years. Linear and volumetric penetration of femoral head into the liners attributed to creep and wear were analyzed for each group. Compressive creep strain generated at the initial 6months was significantly larger in the 6.8-mm group (2.6%) than in the 8.9-mm group (2.2%). The linear steady-state wear observed after 2years was 0.0019 and 0.0015mm/year, whereas the volumetric steady-state wear was 0.54 and 0.45 mm3/years in the 6.8- and 8.9-mm-thick groups, respectively. Although less strain in the thicker group resulted in a slightly less wear, it did not reach significant differences in the steady-state wear rates between the groups. No clinical significance for using a thicker liner over the standard thickness (6.8mm → 8.9mm) was confirmed in the vitamin-E-diffused HXLPE according to the 7-year follow-up. The wear rates for both thicknesses were very low enough to prevent osteolysis, and no mechanical failure was observed at any follow-up interval. Nevertheless, since the significantly higher strain was seen in the thinner liner, further follow-up is needed to compare the longer term wear and the incidence of osteolysis and component fracture.

COMPARATIVE SURVIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY CEMENTLESS ACETABULAR COMPONENTS FOLLOWING PRIMARY TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

The last two decades have seen remarkable technological advances in total hip arthroplasty (THA) implant design. Porous ingrowth surfaces and highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) have been expected to dramatically improve implant survivorship. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate survival of contemporary cementless acetabular components following primary THA.16,421 primary THAs performed for osteoarthritis between 2000 and 2019 were identified from our institutional total joint registry. Patients received one of 12 contemporary cementless acetabular designs with HXLPE liners. Components were grouped based on ingrowth surface into 4 categories: porous titanium (n=10,952, mean follow-up 5 years), porous tantalum (n=1223, mean follow-up 5 years), metal mesh (n=2680, mean follow-up 6.5 years), and hydroxyapatite (HA) coated (n=1566, mean follow-up 2.4 years). Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to assess the survivorship free of acetabular revision. A historical series of 182 Harris-Galante-1 (HG-1) acetabular components was used as reference.The 15-year survivorship free of acetabular revision was &gt;97% for all 4 contemporary cohorts. Compared to historical control, porous titanium (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02–0.17, p&lt;0.001), porous tantalum (HR 0.09, 95%CI 0.03–0.29, p&lt;0.001), metal mesh (HR 0.11, 95%CI 0.04–0.31, p&lt;0.001), and HA-coated (HR 0.14, 95%CI 0.04–0.48, p=0.002) ingrowth surfaces had significantly lower risk of any acetabular revision. There were 16 cases (0.1%) of acetabular aseptic loosening that occurred in 8 (0.07%) porous titanium, 5 (0.2%) metal mesh, and 3 (0.2%) HA-coated acetabular components. 7 of the 8 porous titanium aseptic loosening cases occurred in one known problematic design. There were no cases of aseptic loosening in the porous tantalum group.Modern acetabular ingrowth surfaces and HXLPE liners have improved on historical results at the mid-term. Contemporary designs have extraordinarily high revision-free survivorship, and aseptic loosening is now a rare complication.At mid-term follow-up, survivorship of contemporary uncemented acetabular components is excellent and aseptic loosening occurs in a very small minority of patients.

DI-CUMYL PEROXIDE CROSSLINKED UHMWPE/VITAMIN-E BLEND FOR TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT IMPLANTS

Majority of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) medical devices used in total joint arthroplasty are crosslinked using gamma radiation to improve wear resistance. Alternative methods of crosslinking are urgently needed to replace gamma radiation due to rapid decline in its supply. Peroxide crosslinking is a candidate method with widespread industrial applications. Oxidative stability and biocompatibility, which are critical requirements for medical device applications, can be achieved using vitamin-E as an additive and by removing peroxide by-products through high temperature melting, respectively. We investigated compression molded UHMWPE/vitamin-E/di-cumyl peroxide blends followed by high-temperature melting in inert gas as a material candidate for tibial knee inserts. Wear resistance increased and mechanical properties remained largely unchanged. Oxidation induction time was higher than most of the other clinically available formulations. The material passed the local-end point biocompatibility tests per ISO 10993. Compounds found in exhaustive extraction were of no concern with margin-of-safety values well above the accepted level, indicating a desirable toxicological risk profile. Peroxide crosslinked, vitamin-E stabilized, and high temperature melted UHMWPE has recently been cleared for clinical use in tibial knee inserts. With all the salient characteristics needed in a material that can provide superior long-term performance in total joint patients, peroxide crosslinking can replace gamma radiation crosslinking of UHMWPE for use in all total joint replacement implant including acetabular liners.

DUAL MOBILITY CUP CEMENTED INTO POROUS TRABECULAR METAL SHELL DURING REVISION TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA) is a challenging procedure when we speak about acetabular defects and recurrent instability. There are multiple reasons like the number of previous revisions, implant position, bone quality, patient characteristics and etc. Managing acetabular defects with porous trabecular metal augments has excellent survivorship, but when addressing instability, there are some unsolved issues. Management options include the use of large femoral heads, constrained acetabular liners, and dual mobility cups (DMC). These cups have increased jump distance and reduced likelihood of dislocation while not relying on locking mechanisms, therefore are the preferred option in RTHA. We present single-center series of 13 patients undergoing revision THA with a specific DMC cemented into a newly implanted or well-fixed trabecular metal (TM) revision shell. All patients underwent cementation of a single specific cemented DMC design (Novae Stick, SERF, Decines, France) in a Trabecular Metal Revision Shell (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, US). The mean follow-up is 15,2 months, and there were no dislocations of the implanted DM cups. The mean HHS improved significantly from 35.9 (range 15–80) preoperatively to 80.1 (range 64-93) postoperatively (p = 0.001). The results of this small clinical series demonstrate that cementing a DMC in a well-fixed TM revision shell leads to no dislocation or dissociation of the cement interface and acetabular construct loosening in the short term.

VEXLPE friction studied with a multidirectional hip joint simulator using contact temperature control

Frictional torque of VEXLPE and UHMWPE acetabular liners against CoCr and ZTA femoral heads was measured with a multidirectional hip joint simulator for a wide range of diameters. Measured frictional torque varied from 1 Nm to 7 Nm. The contact temperature was estimated with a subsurface thermocouple within the liner, located near the contact surface. When the estimated contact temperature was 37 °C, the lubricant bulk temperature was 30.1 ± 1.1 °C. When the lubricant bulk temperature was 37 °C, the estimated contact temperature was 43.4 ± 1.1 °C. The custom to use 37 °C as the lubricant bulk temperature in wear testing may lead to overheating of the contact and unrealistically low wear rates, as indicated by recent studies.

Revision hip arthroplasty dislocation risk calculator: when to select dual mobility, large heads, constrained liners, or a standard head size? Testing one hundred thousand hip revisions with artificial intelligence.

Preventing dislocation with large head (≥ 36mm), dual mobility, or constrained acetabular liner is another option than a standard (≤ 32mm). Many other dislocations risk factors than size of the femoral head exist after hip arthroplasty revision. Predicting dislocation with a calculator according to the implant, to the indication of revision, and to patient's risks could allow a better surgery decision. Our search method covers the period from 2000 to 2022. A total of 470 relevant citations on hip major revision (cup or stem or both revisions) were identified with artificial intelligence comprising 235 publications of 54,742 standard heads comprising 142 publications of 35,270 large heads, comprising 41 publications of 3945 constrained acetabular components, and 52 publications of 10,424 dual mobility implants. We considered four implant types (standard, large head, dual mobility, or constrained acetabular liner) as the entry layer of the artificial neural network (ANN). Indication for revision THA was the second hidden layer. Demographics, spine surgery, and neurologic disease were the third layer. Implant revision, reconstruction process as next input (hidden layer). Surgery-related factors, and so on. The output was a postoperative dislocation or not. Of the 104,381 hips that underwent a major revision, a second revision for dislocation was performed for 9234 hips. In each implant group, dislocation remained the first cause of revision. The rate of second revision for dislocation as a percentage of first revision procedures was significantly higher in the standard head group (11.8%) than in the constrained acetabular liner group (4.5%), the dual mobility group (4.1%), and the large head group (6.1%). Instability of a previous THA, infection, or periprosthetic fracture as the indication for revision was increased risk factors as compared with aseptic loosening. One hundred variables were used to create the calculator with the best parameter combination of data and ranking the different factors, according to the four implant types (standard, large head, dual mobility, or constrained acetabular liner). The calculator can be used as a tool to identify patients at risk for dislocation after hip arthroplasty revision and individualize recommendations to select another option than a standard head size.

Minimum 7-Year Follow-Up of Vitamin E–Diffused and Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Liners in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Findings From a Prospective, International, Multicenter Study of 977 Patients

BackgroundVitamin E–diffused highly cross-linked polyethylene (VEPE) acetabular liners for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have shown favorable results in small cohort studies. However, larger studies are warranted to compare its performance to highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and demonstrate clinical significance in 10-year arthroplasty outcomes. This study compared acetabular liner wear and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between patients treated with VEPE and XLPE liners in a prospective, international, multicenter study with minimum 7-year follow-up. MethodsA total of 977 patients (17 centers; 8 countries) were enrolled from 2007 to 2012. The centers were randomly assigned to implants. At 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 7-year postoperative visits, radiographs, PROMs, and incidence of revision were collected. Acetabular liner wear was calculated using computer-assisted vector analysis of serial radiographs. General health, disease progression, and treatment satisfaction reported by patients were scored using 5 validated surveys and compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. At 7 years, 75.4% of eligible patients submitted data. ResultsThe mean acetabular liner wear rate was −0.009 mm/y and 0.024 mm/y for the VEPE and XLPE group, respectively (P = .01). There were no statistically significant differences in PROMs. The overall revision incidence was 1.8% (n = 18). The revision incidence in VEPE and XLPE cohorts were 1.92% (n = 10) versus 1.75% (n = 8), respectively. ConclusionWe found that VEPE acetabular liners in total hip arthroplasty led to no significant clinical difference in 7-year outcomes as measured by acetabular liner wear rate, PROMs, and revision rate. While VEPE liners showed less wear, the wear rate for both the VEPE and XLPE liners was below the threshold for osteolysis. Therefore, the difference in liner wear may indicate comparative clinical performance at 7 years, as further indicated by the lack of difference in PROMs and the low revision incidence.

AB159. SOH23ABS_230. Case presentation: atraumatic fracture of revised ceramic femoral head in articulation with ceramic acetabular liner

AB159. SOH23ABS_230. Case presentation: atraumatic fracture of revised ceramic femoral head in articulation with ceramic acetabular liner

Effect of Component Position and Inward–Outward Rotation on the Wear of Different Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes in an Orbital Bearing Type Hip Joint Simulator

The orbital bearing machine is the world’s most widely used hip joint simulator design for wear testing of prosthetic hips. It has been used with inverted and anatomic component position and with and without inward–outward rotation. Still the effect of component position on the wear of the most widely used bearing material, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), has not been studied directly. With a modified orbital bearing machine, the effects of the component position, anatomic versus inverted, and of the inward–outward rotation, present versus absent, on polyethylene wear were studied for the first time. Acetabular liners made from different ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes articulated against alumina femoral heads in alpha calf serum. The inverted position resulted in the most realistic, burnished appearance of the polyethylene bearing surfaces. In the inverted position, the wear rate decreased with increasing gamma dose that is known to improve wear resistance by cross-linking. In the anatomic position, the bearing surface was not always entirely burnished. The wear was similar with and without inward–outward rotation. The mean wear rate of vitamin E stabilized highly cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene was close to clinical observations. Clinically relevant wear could be produced with the orbital bearing machine for both established and advanced bearing materials. The inverted position appeared preferable in the orbital bearing machine. Inward–outward rotation did not appear important.

Dynamic finite element analysis of hip replacement edge loading: Balancing precision and run time in a challenging model

An important aspect in evaluating the resilience of hip replacement designs is testing their performance under adverse conditions that cause edge loading of the acetabular liner. The representation of edge loading conditions in finite element models is computationally challenging due to the changing contact locations, need for fine meshes, and dynamic nature of the system.In this study, a combined mesh and mass-scaling sensitivity study was performed to identify an appropriate compromise between convergence and solution time of explicit finite element analysis in investigating edge loading in hip replacement devices. The optimised model was then used to conduct a sensitivity test investigating the effect of different hip simulator features (the mass of the translating fixture and mediolateral spring damping) on the plastic strain in the acetabular liner. Finally, the effect of multiple loading cycles on the progressive accumulation of plastic strain was then also examined using the optimised model.A modelling approach was developed which provides an effective compromise between mass-scaling effects and mesh refinement for a solution time per cycle of less than 1 h. This ‘Recommended Mesh’ model underestimated the plastic strains by less than 10%, compared to a ‘Best Estimate’ model with a run time of ∼190 h. Starting with this model setup would therefore significantly reduce any new model development time while also allowing the flexibility to incorporate additional complexities as required. The polyethylene liner plastic strain was found to be sensitive to the simulator mass and damping (doubling the mass or damping had a similar magnitude effect to doubling the swing phase load) and these should ideally be described in future experimental studies. The majority of the plastic strain (99%) accumulated within the first three load cycles.

EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL MODELLING ASSESSMENT OF EDGE-LOADED TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY POLYETHYLENE LINERS

Non-optimal clinical alignment of components in total hip replacements (THRs) may lead to edge loading of the acetabular cup liner. This has the potential to cause changes to the liner rim not accounted for in standard wear models. A greater understanding of the material behaviours could be beneficial to design and surgical guidance for THR devices. The aim of this research was to combine finite element (FE) modelling and experimental simulation with microstructural assessment to examine material behaviour changes during edge loading.A dynamic deformable FE model, matching the experimental conditions, was created to simulate the stress strain environment within liners. Five liners were tested for 4Mc (million cycles) of standard loading (ISO14242:1) followed by 3Mc of edge loading with dynamic separation (ISO14242:4) in a hip simulator. Microstructural measurements by Raman spectroscopy were taken at unloaded and highly loaded rim locations informed by FE results. Gravimetric and geometric measurements were taken every 1Mc cycles.Under edge loading, peak Mises stress and plastic deformation occur below the surface of the rim during heel strike. After 7Mc, microstructural analysis determined edge loaded regions had an increased crystalline mass fraction compared to unloaded regions (p&lt;0.05). Gravimetric wear rates of 12.5mm3/Mc and 22.3mm3/Mc were measured for standard and edge loading respectively. A liner penetration of 0.37mm was measured after 7Mc.Edge loading led to an increase in gravimetric wear rate indicating a different wear mechanism is occurring. FE and Raman results suggest that changes to material behaviour at the rim could be possible. These methods will now be used to assess more liners and over a larger number of cycles. They have potential to explore the impact of edge loading on different surgical and patient variables.

Short Term Outcomes (Average Follow-Up of 2.4 Years) of a Constrained Acetabular Liner in Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundAs instability continues to be a burden post-total hip arthroplasty (THA), there has been a controversial discussion on the ideal implant choice. We report the outcomes of a modern constrained acetabular liner (CAL) system in primary and revision THA at an average follow-up of 2.4 years. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of all patients undergoing primary and revision hip arthroplasty and being implanted with the modern CAL system from 2013 to 2021. We identified 31 hips, of which 13 underwent primary THA and the remaining 18 underwent revision THA for instability. ResultsOf those implanted with CAL primarily, 3 had concomitant abductor tear repair and gluteus maximus transfer, 5 had Parkinson’s disease, 2 had inclusion body myositis, 1 had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the remaining two were over 94 years of age. All patients implanted with the CAL had active instability post-primary THA and underwent only liner and head exchange without revision of the acetabular or femoral components. At an average follow-up of 2.4 years (ranging from 9 months to 5 years and 4 months), we had 1 case (3.2%) of dislocation post-CAL implantation. None of the patients undergoing surgery with CAL for active instability had a redislocation. ConclusionIn conclusion, a CAL provides excellent stability in both primary THA in high-risk individuals and revision THA in cases of active instability. There were no dislocations when using a CAL to treat active instability post-THA.