POLYETHYLENE WEAR OF THE OPTIFIX CEMENTLE SS ACETABULAR COMPONENT A 5YEARS

The aim of this study is to review our experience with the Optifix por ous-coated cementless acetabular component at an average 5 year follow -up. In a retrospective clinical investigation, the amount and rate of linear wear of the polyethylene of 26 cementless Optifix acetabular c omponents implanted during a primary Hybrid (Spectron femoral componen t) total hip replacement in 24 patients, were determined by a comparis on of the thicknesses of the cup as measured on the initial and most r ecent follow-up radiographs. The measurements were corrected for magni fication error by direct measurement of the diameter of the femoral he ad on each radiograph according to the technique of Livermore et al. T he mean duration of follow-up was 60 months (range, 48 to 73 months). Linear wear averaged 0.53 +/- 0.12 mm (0 to 2.28 mm) overall, with a m ean rate of 0.11 +/- 0.02 mm (range 0 to 0.46 mm) per year p < 0.005. No osteolysis of the acetabulum was seen. None of the acetabular compo nents migrated. Osteolysis of the endosteum of the femur was found in six hips. None of the femoral components subsided. In conclusion, wear of the polyethylene in this cup has not been previously reported, and is consistent with results published with other types of acetabular c omponents.