Clinical and radiographic outcomes of total hip replacement with poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liners: Three-year results of a prospective consecutive series

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety and wear-resistance of the novel highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) acetabular liner with surface grafting of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) at 3 years after total hip replacement (THR).

Methods. Eighty consecutive patients underwent cementless THR using a 26-mm diameter cobalt–chromium–molybdenum alloy femoral head and a PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner for the bearing couplings. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 76 patients at 3 years after the index surgery.

Results. The clinical results at 3 years were equivalent to a Harris hip score of 95.6 points. No adverse events were associated with the implanted PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner, and no periprosthetic osteolysis was detected. The mean femoral head penetration rate was 0.002 mm/year, representing marked reduction compared with other HXLPE liners.

Conclusions. A PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner is a safe option in THR and probably reduces the generation of wear particles.

Keywords:

• Arthroplasty
• Hip prosthesis
• Joint replacement
• Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
• Wear

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the late Dr. Shuhei Morimoto for his invaluable contribution and participation in the present study since 2006.

Conflict of interest

One or more of the authors or institutions received outside funding or grants from KYOCERA Medical Corporation. One of the authors (K.M.) is employed by KYOCERA Medical Corporation.