Explantation and analysis of the first retrieved human acetabular cup made of polycarbonate urethane: a case report

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2008;18(1):75-83. doi: 10.1615/jlongtermeffmedimplants.v18.i1.580.

Abstract

This report describes the first human retrieval of a polycarbonate-urethane (PCU) acetabular cup implanted for 10.5 months that was revised for pain of unknown origin. By using a micro-CT analysis, the articulating surface was determined to have a wear rate of less than 1.4 mm3 per year. An analysis of the synovial fluid retrieved at the time of revision found an average particle size of 1 mum diameter. Overall, the surgical findings and analysis were consistent with the results observed in laboratory and animal studies. The histology and synovial fluid analysis found sparse evidence of particulate debris and no synovitis, indicating the potential of this articulating material for use as a bearing surface.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum / pathology
  • Acetabulum / surgery*
  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / adverse effects
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / instrumentation*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / methods
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / analysis*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Female
  • Femoral Neck Fractures / surgery
  • Hip Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Interferometry
  • Pain, Postoperative / surgery
  • Polycarboxylate Cement / analysis
  • Prosthesis Design*
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Reoperation
  • Surface Properties
  • Synovial Fluid / chemistry
  • Urethane / analysis
  • Weight-Bearing

Substances

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Polycarboxylate Cement
  • polycarbonate
  • Urethane