Polyethylene delamination in the PCA total knee Material analysis in two failed cases

Abstract

Two patients had severe polyethylene-wear synovitis after total knee arthroplasty for arthrosis. Full-leg length weight-bearing radiographs were diagnostic. The polyethylene of the tibial components showed excessive delamination. The morphology and crystal-Unity of the polyethylene showed that surface treatment of the material could well be held responsible for the massive wear.