Polyethylene Exchange in a Second-Generation Cementless Acetabular Component

• Published in: The Journal of arthroplasty Vol. 24; no. 6; pp. 69 - 72
• Main Authors: Archibeck, Michael J., MD, Junick, Daniel W., MD, Cummins, Tamara, RT(R)(ARRT), Carothers, Joshua, MD, White, Richard E., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2009
• Subjects: Acetabulum; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip - instrumentation; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip - methods; cementless acetabular component; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Harris-Galante; Hip Joint - diagnostic imaging; Hip Joint - surgery; Hip Prosthesis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Orthopedics; Polyethylene; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis Failure; Radiography; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies; Harris-Galante; cementless acetabular component; polyethylene
• ISSN: 0883-5403; 1532-8406
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2009.05.004

Abstract Some have suggested that isolated polyethylene exchange in a well-fixed Harris-Galante II acetabular component (Zimmer, Warsaw, Ind) necessitates cementing the liner or complete revision because the locking mechanism is suboptimal. We reviewed 29 hip revisions during which the polyethylene was exchanged using the native locking mechanism. Mean follow-up was 5.1 years (2-13 years). Of the 29 patients, one had a disengagement of the revision polyethylene at 2.5 years. At the time of this patient's original revision, one of the tines was fractured, but a direct exchange was performed. There were 4 other revisions (one for loosening and 3 for instability). There were no other complications attributable to the direct polyethylene exchange and no further reoperations. This series suggests that polyethylene exchange with the Harris-Galante II prosthesis can be performed safely using the native locking mechanism in the absence of fractured tines.