PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to present our own method of measuring acetabular polyethylene wear in total hip arthroplasty, including assessment of basic measurement characteristics. It is a well known fact that, in total hip replacement, polyethylene liners wear out with use. The rate of acetabular polyethylene wear can then be related to clinical or demographic data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our method, using a universal measuring microscope, is based on the ability of exact identification of central positions of the head of total hip replacement before implantation and after prosthesis removal. The difference between the original and final positions allows us to calculate both linear and volumetric wear of polyethylene. During one month, the same components were repeatedly measured by two independent investigators and a total of 10 ABG 1 acetabular components were checked. The results of measurements were evaluated by a series of statistical tests, including correlation and regression analyses and analysis of variance. RESULTS: High correlations were found among individual measurements made by each observer (r = 0.998; r = 0.973) as well as between the mean values obtained from the two observers (r = 0.996). The reliability of measurements was proved by a high correlation of the regression curve of each measurement with the "ideal" line. With two exceptions, the differences between paired measurements were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our method facilitates an in vitro measurement of polyethylene wear with considerable accuracy and high reliability.

Ortopedická Klinika LF UP a FN Olomouc

Risk factors for accelerated polyethylene wear and osteolysis in ABG I total hip arthroplasty

Variation in cytokine genes can contribute to severity of acetabular osteolysis and risk for revision in patients with ABG 1 total hip arthroplasty: a genetic association study