3-DIMENSIONAL POLYETHYLENE WEAR OF A PRESS-FIT TITANIUM PROSTHESIS - FACTORS INFLUENCING GENERATION OF POLYETHYLENE DEBRIS

Between 1985 and 1990, 108 consecutive Harris-Galante I (Zimmer, Warsa w IN) total hip arthroplasties were performed by four surgeons at a si ngle hospital. At the time of follow-up evaluation, 80 hips were avail able for review The mean rate of linear wear was 0.15 mm/y, mean rate of three-dimensional femoral head displacement was 0.21 mm/y, and mean rate of volumetric wear was 121 mm(3)/y. Eight hips (10%) in this ser ies had radiologic osteolysis around either the femoral or acetabular component. A significantly greater volumetric wear rate was found in p atients who were younger, those with a higher activity level, these wh o received a 32-mm-diameter femoral head, and those with vertical orie ntation of their acetabular component. No relationship could be made w ith patient weight, gender, Harris hip score, or cup diameter.