What have we learned from 20 years of using highly crosslinked PE in total hip arthroplasty?

Abstract

Slightly more than 20 years after its first clinical use, highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has been widely adopted. Despite initial concerns about oxidation and lack of fatigue resistance, first generation HXLPE, with 15 years of follow-up and widespread use, continues to provide excellent results, even in a young, active population. Remelted HXLPE might have a lower wear rate than annealed HXLPE and will no doubt have a better resistance to oxidation. Second generation materials, consisting of polyethylene (PE) that is sequentially irradiated then annealed and PE that is infused with antioxidants, also have provided encouraging short- and medium-term results. Data from national joint registers confirm data from clinical trials. Even in more challenging cases (dual mobility, hip resurfacing, revision surgery and thin liners), HXLPE has generated promising results. However, failures (rim fractures) have been documented, including for all the latest HXLPE generations. Consequently, certain precautions must be taken during its use and close patient monitoring is necessary.

Keywords: Fatigue resistance; Highly cross-linked polyethylene; Oxidation; Total hip arthroplasty; Wear.