Results of implant retrieval from postmortem specimens in patients with well-functioning, long-term total hip replacement

The evaluation of postmortem specimens provides a unique opportunity to gain understanding of the interface between host and well-functioning prostheses unavailable from revision specimens that, by nature, are accompanied by the artifacts generated during their removal. The preliminary findings from the relatively limited number of specimens described in this collaborative study demonstrate the value of the effort and are presented to encourage surgeons to participate in this program and to make their patients aware of the value of the information they may provide.