Wear and osteolysis outcomes for highly cross-linked polyethylene in primary total hip arthroplasty compared with conventional polyethylene: a 15- to 18-year single-centre follow-up study

Although highly positive results for wear reduction of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) have been reported around the 10-year follow-up, the long-term result related to reoperation and wear-related survival is still an issue. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the follow-up results of a single manufacture’s polyethylene liner for >15 years in terms of survival and wear rate.

This retrospective cohort study included 134 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) who were followed up for at least 15 years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 50.7 years (conventional polyethylene [CPE] group = 22; HXLPE group = 112). Linear and volumetric wear rates of polyethylene were measured, and the reoperation rate and radiographic osteolysis were evaluated and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed in both groups. Implant-related complications were also examined.

HXLPE group showed a significantly lower wear rate in both linear and volumetric wear. None of the hip radiographs showed evidence of loosening or osteolysis in the HXLPE group. The survival rates at 15- to 18-year follow-up were 90.9% and 95.5% in the CPE and HXLPE groups when all-cause reoperation was the endpoint, and 90.9% and 100.0% when the wear-related reoperation was the endpoint, respectively. Implant-related complications were not different between the 2 groups.

Wear reduction and osteolysis showed a great advantage in HXLPE after a 15-year follow-up. Although the CPE and HXLPE showed excellent survival, wear and osteolysis were more frequent in the CPE; therefore, the high risk of reoperation in the future should be considered.