Hip Pelvis.  2015 Sep;27(3):192-195. 10.5371/hp.2015.27.3.192.

A Liner Breakage in Total Hip Arthroplasty after Using 1st Generation Highly Cross Linked Polyethylene Mated against 36-mm Metal Head: A Case Report

• Choi WK
• Cho MR
• Chae SB
• Kim DY

• KMID: 2069151
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5371/hp.2015.27.3.192

Abstract

It has been known the highly cross linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has an advantage of improved wear rate. However, the alteration in mechanical properties such as decreased tensile yield and fatigue strength make concerns about fragility of HXLPE. We experienced a case of HXLPE breakage. But, this case of liner breakage happened although patient belonged to normal BMI and proper acetabular cup position so called "safe zone" on radiographs. So, we report this case with reference review.

Keyword

Highly cross linked polyethylene; Wear; Fragility

MeSH Terms

Acetabulum
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip*
Fatigue
Head*
Humans
Polyethylene*
Polyethylene

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 We conducted 1st revision with 36-mm metal head mated with highly cross linked polyethylene (Longevity; Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) as bearing surface with 54-mm acetabular cup.

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  Fig. 2 Radiograph demonstrated eccentric femoral head position within acetabular cup, and radiopacity suggesting tines of the locking mechanism (arrow).

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  Fig. 3 We found a metallosis, liner fragment (A), and a rim breakage of the Longevity liner (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) at the superior quadrant (B).

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  Fig. 4 A line: thickness of highly cross linked polyethylene (HXLPE) was 6.7 mm at pole. B line: thickness of HXLPE was 5.8 mm at 45° angle direction.

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