SURFACE-STRUCTURE OF RETRIEVED ICLH FEMORAL CUPS

We characterized the surface structure of 21 retrieved femoral ICLH cu ps, as an indirect measure of surface damage, with an optical scanner specially developed for surface roughness measurements. 3 unused cups were measured and served as controls. The mean insertion time was 10 ( 5-15) years. 5 areas on each cup were measured, 1 on the top and 4 at the edge. The mean value of 3 different, commonly used, surface roughn ess parameters was calculated for the edge measurements. We found no c orrelation between the surface topography and clinical patient data su ch as age, body-weight, head-shaft angle, implantation time and wear o f the polyethylene socket.