Technical and Histologic Analysis of a Retrieved Carbon Fiber–Reinforced Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone Composite Alumina-Bearing Liner 28 Months After Implantation

A new innovative low-wear bearing for use in total hip arthroplasty, a wear couple consisting of carbon fiber–reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CF-PEEK), has been shown to be highly biocompatible and to have excellent tribological performance in the laboratory. We report the results of our technical and histologic analysis of a CF-PEEK composite acetabular cup component articulating against an alumina-head total hip arthroplasty prosthesis retrieved because of posttrauma infection from a patient in whom the components had been in place for 28 months. Histologic findings showed only a small amount of particles from the composite insert in the patient’s periprosthetic tissue. Additional clinical study is necessary to estimate the relevant in vivo wear performance of CF-PEEK liners.