10-Year Follow-Up Wear Analysis of Marathon™ Highly Cross-linked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Short and intermediate term wear rates for highly cross-linked polyethylene (HCLPE) liners in total hip arthroplasty are significantly lower than published rates for traditional polyethylene liners. The aim of this study was to report the longest-to-date follow up of for a specific HCLPE liner. Methods A series of 35 total hip arthroplasties using a specific HCLPE liner were reviewed. AP radiographs were reviewed for femoral head penetration, the presence of femoral and/or acetabular osteolysis, long term survival, total wear and wear rates in all patients. Results The average patient age at time of surgery was 70 years with an average follow up of 10 years (118 months, range 7.2 to 13.4` years). The mean wear rate in our cohort was 0.07 mm/year. Total wear was 0.71 mm over the study period. No hips showed evidence of osteolysis in any zones. Survivorship at latest follow up was 100% with all cause revision as an end point. Conclusions The wear rate of HCLPE liners continues to be lower than published wear rates for traditional polyethylene and continues to reaffirm the acceptably low wear rates using HCLPE acetabular liner in primary total hip arthroplasty