Crack initiation in retrieved cross-linked highly cross-linked ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene acetabular liners: an investigation of 9 cases.
case_series · Level IV
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 20851567.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.arth.2010.07.016 and PMC identifier 3053431.
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Abstract
Nine cross-linked highly cross-linked ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene acetabular liners were retrieved at revision surgery. Eight of the liners were fully intact and functional at retrieval. Six cases contained shallow initiated cracks at the root of rim notches; 1 crack had propagated several millimeters. Optical and electron microscopic inspection of the crack surfaces revealed clam shell markings, which are characteristic of fatigue crack initiation. Crack initiation at notches has been identified in reports of catastrophic cross-linked liner failures, with crack initiation sites exhibiting similar morphology and clam shell markings. Thus, we believe that the shallow cracks identified in this case series are precursors to catastrophic rim fracture. The results of this study recommend further investigations to clarify the etiology and prevalence of crack initiation in cross-linked acetabular liners.
Medical subject headings
- Acetabulum
- Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
- Device Removal
- Equipment Failure Analysis
- Hip Prosthesis
- Polyethylenes
- Prosthesis Failure
Anatomy
- hip
- pelvis