This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal My Folders Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Wroblewski, B. M. Articles by Fleming, P. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Wroblewski, B. M. Articles by Fleming, P. A.

Wear of enhanced ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (Hylamer) in combination with a 22.225 mm diameter zirconia femoral head

The John Charnley Research Institute, Wrightington Hospital, Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan WN6 9EP, UK.

Correspondence should be sent to Miss P. A. Fleming.

We have prospectively studied the wear of enhanced ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (Hylamer) in combination with a zirconia femoral head of 22.225 mm diameter on a cemented, triple-tapered, collarless, polished stem, the C Stem.

The 71 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty had a mean follow-up of six years (3 to 8). No patient died or was lost to follow-up. The clinical results were excellent with 96% of patients satisfied. There were no revisions. Two cups were considered to be loose radiologically. One was avulsed from the cement in a skiing accident, with a periprosthetic fracture of the femur, but has remained stable for more than seven years. One femur shows radiological appearances which are compatible with a healing infection. One femoral component is at risk of loosening. The mean rate of penetration of the cup was 0.22 mm/year (0.06 to 0.55).

Our results appear to be within the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. We have discontinued the use of Hylamer despite excellent clinical results and no revisions to date because the high initial rates of penetration did not settle to the expected low levels within the anticipated time.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				T. von Schewelov, L. Sanzen, I. Onsten, A. Carlsson, and J. Besjakov Total hip replacement with a zirconium oxide ceramic femoral head: A RANDOMISED ROENTGEN STEREOPHOTOGRAMMETRIC STUDY J Bone Joint Surg Br, December 1, 2005; 87-B(12): 1631 - 1635. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Sundberg, J. Besjakov, T. von Schewelow, and A. Carlsson Movement patterns of the C-stem femoral component: AN RSA STUDY OF 33 PRIMARY TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTIES FOLLOWED FOR TWO YEARS J Bone Joint Surg Br, October 1, 2005; 87-B(10): 1352 - 1356. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]