Low-friction arthroplasty of the hip using alumina ceramic and cross-linked polyethylene - A ten-year follow-up report

We report the results of our continued review of 14 hip arthroplasties usin g alumina ceramic femoral heads with cross-linked polyethylene cups. There have been no complications and a very low rate of penetration. This w as 0.02 mm per year after an initial 'bedding-in' period of two years. Ther e has: been no change in the mean rate. between our earlier study at six ye ars and the current results at 10 to 11 years. The use of these bearing surfaces appears to reduce the potential amount of polyethylene debris and may provide the next logical stage in the developm ent of the Charnley low-friction arthroplasty.