RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLYETHYLENE WEAR AND OSTEOLYSIS IN HIPS WITHA SECOND-GENERATION POROUS-COATED CEMENTLESS CUP AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

To our knowledge, this study represents the first time that the relationship between polyethylene wear, as determined by both linear wear and volumetric wear, and the prevalence of osteolysis has been quantified. The use of the linear wear rate as a predictor of osteolysis can be a valuable tool in assessing the longevity of a particular implant. The results of our analysis provide quantitative support to the observation that a wear rate of 0.2 mm/yr seems to represent a "critical threshold" for the development of osteolysis. Close radiographic monitoring with the determination of linear wear rates to assess the risk of osteolysis is recommended for all patients after total hip arthroplasty.