Introduction. Large-scale retrieval studies have shown backside wear in tibial inserts is dependent on the surface roughness of the tibial tray. Manufacturers acknowledge this design factor and have responded with the marketing of mirror-finished trays, which are clinically proven to have lower wear rates in comparison to historically “rough” (e.g. grit blasted) trays. While the relationship between wear and surface roughness has been explored in other polymer applications, the quantitative dependence of backside wear rate on quantitative surface finish has not yet been established for modern devices. The present study evaluates small-excursion polyethylene wear on pucks of a variety of surface roughnesses. The objective of this study is to determine where inflection points exist in the relationship between surface roughness and wear rate. Materials and Methods. An AMTI Orthopod, 6-station pin on disk tribotest was designed to mimic worst-case in vivo backside wear conditions based on published retrieval analyses. Titanium (Ti6Al4V) pucks with six different surface roughness preparations (Sa ranges from 0.06 um to 1.06 um) were characterized with white light profilometry. Never implanted polyethylene tibial inserts (never irradiated, EtO sterilized) were machined into 6 mm diameter cylindrical pins. Fretting-type motion was conducted in a 2mm square pattern at 2Hz under 100 N constant force in 25% bovine serum lubricant for 1.35 million cycles in triplicate. Mass measurements were taken every 225 thousand cycles. Results. Over the range of surface roughness studied (Sa = 0.06 – 1.06 µm), wear rate grew logistically. The wear rate for highly polished titanium (Sa = 0.06 µm) was not statistically different from less-polished titanium with Sa of 0.14 µm (p > 0.1). Titanium pucks having the highest surface roughness (Sa > 0.5µm), removed material significantly faster than those with roughness less than 0.3µm. The results of these tests suggest that Ti trays with Sa less than 0.15µm may yield equivalent clinical backside wear results, while pucks with Sa greater than 0.15µm begin to have increased wear rates that may be clinically significant. The two pucks with Sa greater than 0.5 µm yielded wear rates failing to be statistically differentiable (p = 0.059), corresponding with the flattening of the logistic curve. Discussion. These results suggest that baseplates with Sa less than 0.15 µm may ultimately yield clinically equivalent outcomes. The wear rate curve changes slope between Sa 0.14 and 0.22 µm and continues to increase across the range of surface roughnesses studied. The wear rates on rough pucks (Sa > 0.5 µm) showed high variation, reducing the ability to distinguish the two statistically (p = 0.059). Further study will better distinguish wear properties at higher surface roughnesses. Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that there may be a range of finishes between a mirror polish and grit blast that may produce clinically equivalent wear rates. This work provides justification for further study into the relationship between backside wear, baseplate tray roughness, and material choices. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Introduction. Backside wear of polyethylene (PE) inlays in fixed-bearing total knee replacement (TKR) generates high number of wear debris, but is poorly studied in modern plants with improved locking mechanisms. Aim of study. Retrieval analysis of PE inlays from contemporary fixed bearing TKRs - to evaluate the relationship between backside wear and liner locking mechanism and material type and roughness of the tibial tray. Methods. MATERIAL. We included five types of implants, revised after min. 12 months (14–71): three models with a peripheral locking rim and two models with a dove-tail locking mechanism. Altogether this study included 15 inlays were removed from TKRs with CoCr alloy tray with a roughened surface and a peripheral locking lip liner (Stryker Triathlon, Ra 5,61 µm), 9 from CoCr trays with peripheral locking lip and untreated surface (Aesculap Search, Ra 0,81 µm), 13 from Ti alloy trays with peripheral locking lip and untreated surface (DePuy PFC Sigma 0,61 µm), 11 from Ti alloy trays with untreated surface and dovetail locking mechanism (Zimmer NexGen, 0,34 µm), and 9 from iplants with a Ti alloy tibial tray with mirror polished surface and dovetail locking mechanism (Smitn&Nephew Genesis II, 0,11 µm). METHODS. Wear of bearing surface and back side of retrieved inlays was examined in 10 sectors under a light microscope. Seven modes of wear were analysed and quantified according to the Hood scale: surface deformation, pitting, embedded third bodies, pitting, scratching, burnishing (polishing), abrasion and delamination. Damage of inlays caused by backside wear was also evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Roughness of tibial tray was evaluated using a contact profilometer. Results. We found no differences between wear scores on the articulating surface in all group, they did not correlate with backside wear scores in all groups as well. Compared to all other groups, backside wear scores were significantly higher in implants with untreated Ti alloy tibial tray (P<0,001 Wilcoxon test). Lowest wear rates were found in implants from both Ti and CoCr alloys and peripheral locking rim. Interestingly there was no difference between wear of implants with polished and untreated surface (Fig. 1). SEM analysis demonstrated different wear modes in implants with dovetail mechanism and peripheral rim. The first group demonstrated signs of gross rotational instability, with severe abrasion with an arch-shaped pattern and delaminated PE (Fig 2). In one design we observed severe extrusion of PE into screw holes of the tibial tray. Inlays from trays with peripheral rim presented two types of wear: flattening of machining marks or protrusion of the material caused by the rough surface (Fig 3). Conclusions. This study demonstrates that backside wear is still a problem in modern TKR. Our findings suggest that it is predominantly affected by type of locking mechanism (with peripheral rim performing better), to a lesser extent by surface roughness of the tibial component, while material type does not seem to play an important role. This study was funded by a grant from the National Science Centre nr 2012/05/D/NZ5/01840. To view tables/figures, please contact authors directly

Introduction. Ideally, standardized wear testing protocols replicate the in vivo motions and forces of TKR patients. In a previous study with 30 TKR patients, two distinct in vivo gait patterns emerged, one characterized as having low anteroposterior (AP-L) motion and the other high anteroposterior (AP-H) motion. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the two in vivo-determined gait patterns on total and backside insert wear in comparison with the ISO standard 14243-3. In order to differentiate and accurately quantify topside and backside wear, a novel technique was employed where different lanthanide tracers are incorporated into the polyethylene during manufacture. Materials and Methods. Components from the Zimmer NexGen CR Knee Replacement System were used. Europium (Eu) and Gadolinium (Gd)-stearates were mechanically mixed with GUR1050 UHMWPE resin to obtain two tracer-UHMWPE resins containing 49.1±1.5 ppm Eu and 68.8±1.6 ppm Gd, respectively. 12 grams of the Eu-doped resin was placed on the bottom, 10 grams of virgin GUR1050 resin was placed in the middle, and 10 grams of Gd-doped resin was placed on the top to mold NexGen CR tibial inserts. The backside was then machined to interlock with the tibial baseplate. The minimum insert thickness was 10 mm. All inserts were packaged in nitrogen and gamma sterilized. The wear test was conducted on a 4-station knee simulator in displacement-control mode. Simulator input was obtained from ISO 14243-3 and from gait of 30 NexGen TKR subjects, previously categorized into low (AP-L) and high (AP-H) anteroposterior motion groups. Per station, each insert was sequentially subjected to ISO, AP-L, AP-H motion for 2 Mc at 1 Hz. Subsequently, the ISO profile was repeated. Tibial inserts were weighed and lubricant samples were taken after every 0.5 Mc interval. Knowing the Eu and Gd concentrations from ICP-MS analysis, and normalizing those to the concentrations in the polyethylene inserts, the localized (Eu – backside; Gd – topside) wear was calculated. Wear particle analysis was conducted following established protocols. Results. For all tested liners (n=4 + soak) during the three tested motion profiles, the chemically calculated wear correlated closely with the gravimetrically determined wear (R. 2. »0.8), with slopes not different from 1. Both in vivo motion groups displayed higher wear rates than the ISO group following the order of the AP motion amplitudes (Figure). Backside wear for ISO constituted 2.76% ± 0.90% (mean ± SE) of the total wear, increasing significantly to 15.8 ± 3.2% for AP-L and further increasing to 19.3 ± 0.95% for AP-H (p<.001). The mean wear particle sizes were under 200 nm for all three motion patterns, being largest for the AP-H gait protocol (Table). Discussion. Both in vivo motion groups displayed higher wear rates than the group tested per ISO standard 14243-3. Interestingly backside wear was affected the most and increased 4.5 to 6-fold over ISO. Testing for the proportion of backside wear across various activities of daily living may therefore be an important consideration in evaluating knee prostheses wear and could be facilitated by this new tracer technology. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Previous retrieval studies demonstrate increased tibial baseplate roughness leads to higher polyethylene backside wear in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Micromotion between the polyethylene backside and tibial baseplate is affected by the locking mechanism design and can further increase backside wear. The purpose of this study was to examine modern locking mechanisms, in the setting of both roughened and polished tibial baseplates, on backside tibial polyethylene wear. Five TKA models were selected, all with different tibial baseplate and/or locking mechanism designs. Six retrieval tibial polyethylenes from each TKA model were matched based on time in vivo (TIV), age at TKA revision, BMI, gender, number of times revised, and revision reason. Two observers scored each polyethylene backside according to a visual damage score and individual damage modes. Primary outcomes were mean damage score and individual damage modes. Demographics were compared by one-way ANOVA. Damage scores and modes were analysed by the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test. There were no differences among the groups based on TIV (p=0.962), age (p=0.651), BMI (p=0.951), gender, revision number, or reason for revision. There was a significant difference across groups for mean total damage score (p=0.029). The polished tibial design with a partial peripheral capture locking mechanism and anterior constraint demonstrated a significantly lower score compared to one of the roughened tibial designs with a complete peripheral-rim locking mechanism (13.0 vs. 22.1, p=0.018). Otherwise, mean total damage scores were not significant between groups. As far as modes of wear, there were identifiable differences among the groups based on abrasions (p=0.005). The polished design with a tongue-in-groove locking mechanism demonstrated a significantly higher score compared to both groups with roughened tibial baseplates (5.83 vs. 0.83, p=0.024 and 5.83 vs. 0.92, p=0.033). Only the two designs with roughened tibial baseplates demonstrated dimpling (5.67 and 8.67) which was significant when compared against all other groups (p0.99). No other significant differences were identified when examining burnishing, cold flow, scratching, or pitting. No polyethylene components exhibited embedded debris or delamination. Total damage scores were similar between all groups except when comparing one of the polished TKA design to one of the roughened designs. The other TKA model with a roughened tibial baseplate had similar damage scores to the polished designs, likely due to its updated locking mechanism. Dimpling wear patterns were specific for roughened tibial baseplates while abrasive wear patterns were identified in the design with a tongue-in-groove locking mechanism. Our study showed even in the setting of a roughened tibial baseplate, modern locking mechanisms decrease backside wear similar to that of other current generation TKA designs

Introduction:. Backside wear has been previously reported through in-vitro and in-vivo to have a significant contribution to the total wear in rotating bearing TKRs. The present study investigated the contribution of backside wear to the total wear in the PFC Sigma rotating platform mobile bearing TKR. In addition, the wear results were compared to the computed wear rates of the PFC Sigma fixed bearing TKR, with two different bearing materials. Materials and Methods:. The commercially available PFC Sigma rotating platform mobile bearing and PFC Sigma fixed bearing total knee replacements, size 3 (DePuy, UK) were tested, with either conventional or moderately cross-linked (5 MRad) GUR1020 UHMWPE bearing materials. The computational wear model for the knee implants was based on the contact area and an independent experimentally determined non-dimensional wear coefficient [1,2,3]. The experimental wear test for the mobile bearing was force controlled using the ISO anterior-posterior force (ISO14243-1-2009). However, due to time limitation of the explicit simulation required to run the force controlled model, the simulation was run using the AP displacements taken from the experimental knee simulator which was run under the ISO AP force. The Sigma fixed bearing TKR was run under high level of anterior-posterior displacements (maximum of 10 mm). Results and Discussion:. The rotating platform bearing showed lower wear rates, compared to that of the PFC Sigma fixed bearing, for both conventional and moderately cross-linked UHMWPE bearing materials (Fig. 1). Moreover, the results showed a high contribution of backside wear to the total wear, approximately 1 mm. 3. /million cycles (∼30% of the total wear). The computational wear predictions were in good agreements with the clinical and experimental measurements [4,5]. Contrasting the effect of bearing material on wear prediction, introducing the moderately cross-linked UHMWPE as a bearing material reduced the predicted wear rates by approximately 1 mm. 3. /million cycles in rotating platform bearing, compared to more than 5 mm. 3. /million cycles in PFC fixed bearing TKR. This reduced effect of cross-linking on wear in mobile bearing was mainly attributed to the lower cross-shear ratios in these bearings, compared to fixed bearings, and the less dependency of wear in moderately cross-linked UHMWPE on the degree of cross-shear, compared to conventional UHMWPE. Decreasing the degree of cross-shear from higher values (Sigma curved insert, high kinematic) to lower ones (rotating platform bearing) changed the predicted wear rates from 8.7 to 3.3 and from 3.4 to 2.4 (mm. 3. /million cycles), for conventional and moderately cross-linked UHMWPE materials respectively (Fig. 2). Conclusion:. The modelling confirmed the previous experimental observations of very low wear with the rotating platform knee. The models also determined the level of wear from the backside of the rotating platform knee which was approximately 1 mm. 3. /million cycles. The fixed bearing knee with moderately cross linked polyethylene also showed low wear at approximately 3 mm. 3. /million cycles. These low wear rates were determined under high kinematic walking cycles conditions. Future work will consider additional conditions

Purpose. Previous retrieval studies demonstrate increased tibial baseplate roughness leads to higher polyethylene backside wear in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Micromotion between the polyethylene backside and baseplate is affected by the locking mechanism design and can further increase backside wear. This study's purpose was to examine modern locking mechanisms influence, in the setting of both polished and non-polished tibial baseplates, on backside tibial polyethylene damage and wear. Methods. Five TKA models were selected with different tibial baseplate and/or locking mechanism designs. Six retrieval tibial polyethylenes from each TKA model were matched based on time in vivo (TIV), age at TKA revision, BMI, gender, number of times revised, and revision reason. Two observers visually assessed each polyethylene. Primary outcomes were visual damage scores, individual visual damage modes, and linear wear rates determined on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scan in mm/year. Demographics were compared by one-way ANOVA. Damage scores, damage modes, and linear wear were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test. Results. There were no differences among the groups based on TIV (p=0.962), age (p=0.609), BMI (p=0.951), gender, revision number, or reason for revision. There was a significant difference across groups for visual total damage score (p=0.031). The polished tibial design with a partial peripheral capture locking mechanism and anterior constraint demonstrated a significantly lower score compared to one of the non-polished tibial designs with a complete peripheral-rim locking mechanism (13.0 vs. 22.0, p=0.019). Otherwise, mean total damage scores were not significant between groups. There were identifiable differences among the groups based on abrasions (p=0.006). The polished design with a tongue-in-groove locking mechanism demonstrated a significantly higher score compared to one of the designs with a non-polished baseplate (5.83 vs. 0.83, p=0.016). Only the two designs with non-polished baseplates demonstrated dimpling (5.67 and 8.67), which was significant when compared against all other groups (p<0.0001), but not against each other (p>0.99). No other significant differences were identified when examining burnishing, cold flow, scratching, or pitting. No polyethylene components exhibited embedded debris or delamination. There was a significant difference among groups for linear wear on micro-CT scanning (p=0.003). Two of the polished baseplate designs, one with the partial peripheral rim capture and one with the tongue-in-groove locking mechanism, demonstrated significantly lower wear rates than the non-polished design with a complete peripheral-rim locking mechanism (p=0.008 and p=0.032, respectively). There were no other differences in wear rates between groups. Conclusions. Total damage scores and wear rates were similar between all groups except when comparing two of the polished TKA designs to one of the non-polished baseplate designs. The other TKA model with a non-polished tibial baseplate had similar damage scores and wear rates to the polished designs, likely due to its updated locking mechanism. Dimpling was specific for non-polished tibial baseplates while abrasions were identified in the design with a tongue-in-groove locking mechanism. Our study showed even in the setting of a non-polished tibial baseplate, modern locking mechanisms can decrease backside damage and wear similar to that of other current generation TKA designs. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly (see Info & Metrics tab above).

Introduction. This study was performed to investigate the failure mechanism of one specific hip arthroplasty cup design that has shown a high clinical failure rate. The aim of this study was to identify general design problems of this polyethylene inlay. Material and Methods. 55 consecutive retrievals of a cementless screw ring (Mecron) were collected. In any case a 32 mm ceramic head was used. All implants failed due to aseptic loosening. The follow-up of the implants was 3 to 16 years. We recorded backside wear, fatigue of the polyethylene at the flanges on the outer rim and at the cup opening (32 mm inner diameter). To assess the deformation of the inlay, the smallest and the median diameter of the cup opening were measured using a 3 dimensional coordinate measuring machine (Multisensor, Mahr, Germany). Results. 90% of the explants showed signs of wear on the backside of the inlay. Another typical and so far not described alteration was collar fatigue in 68%. 38% of the inlays showed rim creep: Examples for Backside wear, collar fatigue and rim creep are illustrated in Fig. 1. 90% had a diameter of 32.1 mm or less, and even 46% had a diameter less than 32 mm. Discussion. The investigated design is at the lower limit of the allowed machining tolerance of the cup opening (32 + 0.1 mm) and has no additional clearance (which some manufacturers add). It seems that the inlays yield at the dome because of the viscoelastic properties of polyethylene and the open dome area of the attached screw ring. This leads to excessive wear at the dome area and it triggers a “brake drum” effect at the cup opening. Thereby torsional stresses at the implant bone interface increase which lead to failure of the implant. To avoid this type of failure, PE inlays should have enough clearance at the cup opening and the inlay should have dome contact to the closed metal shell

Introduction. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful procedure for end stage arthritis of the knee that is being performed on an exponential basis year after year. Most surgeons agree that soft tissue balancing of the TKA is a paramount to provide a successful TKA. We utilized a set of retrieved lower extremities with an existing TKA to measure the laxity of the knee in all three planes to see if wear scores of the implants correlated to the laxity measured. This data has never been reported in the literature. Methods. IRB approval was obtained for the local retrieval program. Each specimen was retrieved after removing the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle from mid thigh to mid tibia. The femur, tibia and fibula were then transversely cut to remove the specimen for testing. Each specimen was then imaged using a flouroscopic imaging unit (OEC, Inc) in the AP, Lateral and sunrise views. These images were used to analyze whether there were any signs of osteolysis. Each specimen was mounted into a custom knee testing machine (Little Rock AR). Each specimen then was tested at full extension, 30, 60, and 90 degrees of flexion. At each flexion angle the specimen was subjected to a 10Nm varus and valgus torque, a 1.5Nm internal and external rotational torque and a 35N anterior and posterior directed force. Each specimen's implants were removed to record manufacturer and lot numbers. Polyethylene damage scores (Hood et al. JBMR 1983) were then calculated in the medial, lateral and backside of the polyethylene insert as well as on the medial and lateral femoral condyle. (Figure 1) Correlation coefficients were then calculated to show any relationship with soft tissue balancing in all three planes and wear scores. Results. No correlation > 0.4 existed for any surface damage on the polyethylene or femoral condyle to laxity in any plane (Figure 2). The highest correlations were found with backside wear (0.5) to internal and external rotational laxity. Two thirds of the specimens had more varus than valgus laxity in the coronal plane (p=0.03). Discussion/Conclusion. This is the first report of necropsy obtained retrievals where the soft tissue laxity of the knee was recorded. Although small numbers with different implant types the data shows that limited correlation exists between implant surface damage and increased laxity. The strongest correlation we found was backside wear to transverse plane laxity in flexion and extension, but this most likely is related to locking mechanism design. It seems in this set of implants that the soft tissue laxity did not affect implant bone interfaces as all were over 10 years from surgery. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

The use of cementless acetabular components is currently the gold standard for treatment in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Porous coated cups have a low modulus of elasticity that enhances press-fit and a surface that promotes osseointegration. Monoblock acetabular cups represent a subtype of uncemented cup with the liner moulded into the metal shell, minimizing potential backside wear and eliminating the chance of mal-seating. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term clinical and radiographic performances of a modular cup with that of a monoblock cup, with particular interest in the advent of lucent lines and their correlation with clinical outcomes. In this multi-surgeon, prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 86 patients undergoing unilateral THA were recruited. Participants were randomized to either a porous-coated, modular metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) acetabular component (n=46) or a hydroxyapatite (HA)- and titanium-coated monoblock shell with ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing (n=42). The porous-coated cup had an average pore size of 250 microns with an average volume porosity of 45%, whereas the monoblock shell had an average pore size of 300 microns with an average volume porosity of 48% and a HA coating thickness of 80 nm. There were no baseline demographic differences between both groups regarding sex, age, body mass index (BMI), or American Society of Anaesthesia (ASA) class (p>0.05). All of the sockets were under-reamed by 1 mm. Radiographs and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Hip Score, were available for evaluation at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. A radiolucent distance between the cup and acetabulum of ≥0.5 mm was defined as gap if it was diagnosed from outset or as radiolucency if it had sclerotic edges and was found on progressive x-ray analyses. Thirty-two gaps (69%) were found in the modular cup group and 28 (6%) in the monoblock one (p=0.001). Of the former, 17 filled the gaps whereas 15 turned into a radiolucency at final assessment. Of the latter, only 1 of the gaps turned into a radiolucency at final follow-up (p 0.05) in both groups. Only the porous-coated cup was an independent predictor of lucent lines (OR:0.052, p=0.007). No case underwent revision surgery due to acetabular loosening during the study period. Only 2 cases of squeaking were reported in the CoC monoblock shell. Both porous-coated modular and hydroxyapatite-coated monoblock cups showed successful clinical results at short-term follow-up, however, the former evidenced a significantly higher rate of radiolucent line occurrence, without any association with PROMs. Since these lines indicate the possibility of future cup loosening, longer follow-up and assessment are necessary

INTRODUCTION. Many studies have looked at the effects of titanium tibial baseplates compared to cobalt chrome baseplates on backside wear. However, the surface finish of the materials is usually different (polished/unpolished) [1,2]. Backside wear may be a function not only of tray material but also of the locking mechanism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wear performance of conventional polyethylene inserts when mated with titanium tibial trays or cobalt chrome tibial trays that both have non-polished topside surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three titanium (Ti) trays were used along with three cobalt chrome (CoCr) trays. The Ti trays underwent Type II anodization prior to testing. All trays were Triathlon® design (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ). Tibial inserts were manufactured from GUR 1020 conventional polyethylene then vacuum/flush packaged and sterilized in nitrogen (30 kGy). Appropriate sized CoCr femoral components articulated against the tibial inserts (Triathlon®, Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ). Surface roughness of the tibial trays was taken prior to testing using white light interferometry (Zygo Corp, Middlefield, CT). A 6-station knee simulator (MTS, Eden Prairie, MN) was used for testing. Two phases were conducted. The first phase used a normal walking profile, as dictated by ISO 14243-3 [3]. The second phase used waveforms created specifically for stair climbing kinematics. Testing was conducted at a frequency of 1 Hz for 2 million cycles for each test with a lubricant of Alpha Calf Fraction serum (Hyclone Labs, Logan, UT) diluted to 50% with a pH-balanced 20-mMole solution of deionized water and EDTA (protein level = 20 g/l) [4]. The serum solution was replaced and inserts were weighed for gravimetric wear at least every 0.5 million cycles. Standard test protocols were used for cleaning, weighing and assessing the wear loss of the tibial inserts [5]. Soak control specimens were used to correct for fluid absorption with weight loss data converted to volumetric data (by material density). Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test (p<0.05). RESULTS. White light interferometry measurements (Figure 1) showed a significant difference in surface roughness between the Ti and CoCr tibial trays (p < 0.01). Figure 2 displays the results of wear testing after 2 million cycles for walking and stair climbing kinematics and showed no significant difference in wear rate between the two tibial trays for either test. The large standard deviation for the CoCr trays during stair climbing kinematics is due to one outlier that had 60% higher wear than the remaining two stations. Without this station, the average of the remaining two CoCr stations was 7.6 mm. 3. /mc, which was similar to the average obtained using Ti tibial trays. Figure 3 shows the backside surfaces of the polyethylene inserts after 2 million cycles using the stair climbing kinematics. Visually, the inserts mated with the Ti trays showed less of a stenciling effect that those mated with CoCr trays. The location of the stenciled area corresponded to the location of the femoral condyle during the loading cycle. DISCUSSION. Although Ti has different material properties than CoCr, the results of this study show that the wear performance was not adversely affected when Ti tibial trays were substituted for standard CoCr tibial trays under normal walking and stair climbing kinematics. Even though there are differences between the two materials, the documented wear was not significantly different possibly owing to the specific locking mechanism tested

The PFC Sigma Cobalt Chrome Sigma (PFCSCC) was introduced in 2006, an update of the PFC Sigma designed to reduce backside wear. To help identify any significant early failures following its introduction, we prospectively identified all recipients over a one-year period. The patient's clinical, demographic and radiographic data, American Knee Society scores (AKSS), Oxford Knee scores (OKS) and SF-12 scores was recorded pre-operatively and at one, three and five years. 233 patients underwent 249 primary knee arthroplasties with the PFCSCC. Seventeen patients (19 knees) died and 29 patients (30 knees) were also lost to follow up at the five year point. The mean age was 66.6 (34–80) with 47.6% of the cohort being male. The mean five year follow-up was 1836 days (1530–2307). Five knees (2.2%) were revised for infection and three were revised for pain. The 5–year cumulative survival rate was 96.6% for any failure and 98.6% for aseptic failure. AKSS 32.6 (0–86.6) preoperatively, 80.7 (29–95) 5 years P < 0.001. OKS was 39.0 (22–53) preoperatively, 23.5 (4.7–42.3) 5 years P < 0.001. These results demonstrate a good early survivorship when compared to the old design PFC Sigma, however further follow-up to ten years is required

Concerns with long-term fixation of cemented all-poly sockets have led to the near-universal acceptance of cementless fixation of the acetabulum. The sockets most often utilised today are bone-ingrowth porous metal, made of titanium, cobalt-chrome, or hyper-porous materials such as tantalum trabecular metal. Porous ingrowth sockets are extraordinarily reliable, with reports of 99–100% achieving stable fixation. The problem with sockets is not the fixation, but the bearing. Modular polyethylene liners are most commonly used, but wear on the primary bearing surface as well as backside wear can lead to osteolysis and late failure. Holes in the socket designed for supplemental screws act as a conduit for particles to enter the ace tabular bone where a cascade of inflammatory responses activate osteoclastic activity and bone destruction. One alternative is a socket without holes, using spikes or fins for additional stability. The concern here is that the socket may not be completely seated and the surgeon is unaware. Another alternative is the use of a monoblock acetabular component with the polyethylene molded to the metal shell. While excellent results are reported, the downside is an inability to exchange the polyethylene. Resurfacing sockets are also monoblocks, and some offer peripheral supplemental screws. Here again, incomplete seating may occur, leaving a gap behind the dome. Serial x-rays almost always reveal that this gap gradually fills in. Improvements in polyethylene, better locking mechanisms and alternative bearing materials such as ceramic and metal are the final steps to ensure acetabular durability

The most recent Australian registry has a database of 547,407 knee arthroplasties, having added over 52,000 in 2016. Total knee arthroplasties (TKA) comprise 83.8%, revisions (RevTKA) 8.1% and “partials of all types” 8.1%. Since 2003, the percent of TKA has increased from 76.7%, RevTKA has stayed stable and partial replacements have declined from 14.5%. In the last year, however, TKA declined slightly. There is a slightly higher percentage of women (56.1%) undergoing TKA and this has remained very stable since 2003. Revision rates are slightly higher for men. Percentages of the youngest (<55) and oldest (>85) are small and stable. The 75–84 year olds have declined as 55–74 year olds have increased. This represents a gradual shift to earlier TKA surgery. More patella are resurfaced and this is a gradual trend with a cross over in 2010 when half were resurfaced. Computer navigation is progressively more popular and now accounts for almost 30% of cases. Cement fixation is also increasing and accounts for about 65% of cases. Crosslinked polyethylene is gradually replacing non crosslinked and in 2014 was used in 50% of cases. Revisions are performed most commonly for loosening and infection. Revision rates correlate directly with age. Loosening is the most common indication for revision in both genders, but males have a distinctly higher revision rate due to infection. Revision rates are slightly higher in all forms of mobile bearing than fixed bearing. Minimally constrained (cruciate retaining) devices are used in the majority of TKAs. Posterior stabilised implants are in slight decline, having peaked in about 2008–2010. Minimally constrained implants are in slight decline as medial pivot/medial congruent devices have been used more frequently. Revision rates are similar amongst all three implant types: PS implants are revised at a slightly higher rate. When an early Medial Pivot (MP) implant is excluded the newer version has better results. The reasons for revision are similar amongst all 3 groups with slightly higher loosening rates for PS designs. (Could this represent backside wear with older locking mechanisms, surface finish and non crosslinked poly?) The MP designs had slightly higher revision rates for “pain”, which is not recognised as a reasonable indication for revision. Revision rates are steadily higher for TKAs without patella resurfacing over 16 years, but the questions as to whether: i. the surgeries were secondary resurfacings or full revisions or ii. if secondary resurfacings eliminated pain are unknown. The combinations at greatest risk of revision were a posterior stabilised or medial pivot arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing. Cementless fixation leads to a higher revision rate. If age and computer navigation are evaluated in terms of revision rates, young patients with and without computer navigated arthroplasties failed at the highest rates, distinct from patients >65. However, if failure rates due only to loosening are evaluated, then computer navigation leads to a lower revision rate in the <65 group. This has been interpreted as the protective effect of better component position that only shows up in patients who use the arthroplasty more aggressively. Patient specific instrumentation (PSI) or Individual Designed Instrumentation (IDI) were revised at marginally higher rates than conventional instrumentation. Crosslinked polyethylene appears to be superior at 12 years (CRR= 4%) versus non crosslinked polyethylene (CRR>7%). This is the result of fewer failures due to loosening with crosslinked poly. The superiority of crosslinked poly was greater in the younger, more active patient

There is ongoing debate on the benefits of fixed versus mobile bearing Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKR). We report the results from a randomised controlled trial comparing fixed and mobile bearing of the same UKR prosthesis. Forty patients were randomized to receive identical femoral components and either a fixed or mobile bearing tibial component. At 6.5 years follow-up 37% of the mobile bearing design had been revised and 14% for the fixed bearing design. The main reasons for revision were pain and loosening. These results were compared with data from The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) that show a cumulative percent revision of 24.2% for the mobile bearing Preservation UKR at 6.5 years. All locally explanted mobile bearings were examined microscopically, and 83% demonstrated significant backside wear. Constraint on the undersurface of the bearing coupled with a congruent upper surface may have contributed to the excessive revision rate. This is the first randomised controlled trial examining mobile and fixed variations of the same UKR prosthesis and shows this design of UKR with the mobile bearing has an unacceptably high revision rate and patients with this knee design should be closely monitored

Implant wear and osteolysis have been a major cause of failure of total knee implants. In the mid-1990s, manufacturers recognised the impact of oxidation on wear with implants sterilised by gamma irradiation in air and changed their methods of sterilisation. This has resulted in a dramatic reduction in wear. In retrieval studies, non-irradiated polyethylene has not shown the fatigue type of failure associated with oxidation. The percentage of revisions done at the Anderson Clinic for polyethylene wear for osteolysis has dropped from 44% in the late 1990s to 4% in the past decade. With the continued use of polyethylene free of oxidation, we anticipate a further reduction in the need for revision surgery secondary to wear and osteolysis. Highly cross-linked polyethylene was introduced to further reduce wear with total knee implants. Higher levels of irradiation used increases crosslinking in the polyethylene but the material strength is reduced. Although volumetric wear is reduced, the wear particles are smaller in size and potentially more bio-reactive. The Manufacturer And User Device Experience Database (MAUDE) reports describe early implant breakage and osteolysis of highly cross-linked polyethylene inserts. Implants that were highly crosslinked with quenched free radicals demonstrate increased levels of oxidation after retrieval unlike, never implanted components “off-the-shelf”. Backside wear remains a concern as non-modular implants have better long-term survivorship compared to their modular counterparts. These reports should temper enthusiasm for using highly cross-linked material in knees or modular tibial components until longer term clinical and retrieval studies have been completed

There are many types of articulating surfaces in uncemented acetabular cups. Most of the designs currently available are modular, with the shell snapping into a locking mechanism of some type. An Elliptical Monoblock design has been available for 15 years and was originally made of titanium with a factory assembled compression molded polyethylene liner. Porous tantalum (trabecular metal) was used as the shell material in a subsequent more recent design and in this design the polyethylene is actually molded directly into the tantalum framework. Monoblock acetabular components do not allow particulate access to the ilium via screw holes and require no surgeon assembled locking mechanism which may increase backside wear and metallic debris. There are no holes in the socket because of the monoblock construct. Because of this absence of screw holes there is an inability to visualise the floor of the acetabulum and perfect coaptation between the shell and the acetabular floor may not occur. The presence of dome gaps of greater than 1.5mm have been noted in 5% of these components but these have not compromised implant stability and in a review of over 600 cups there has been no change in implant position. The Elliptical shape of the cup makes the mouth of the acetabular component 2mm greater than the dome so that an exceptionally strong acetabular rim fit results. Results will be reported from two major institutional series with a minimum 10-year follow-up (range 10–15 years). No pelvic osteolysis was not seen in any patient in either series. In the HSS series of 250 cases with minimum 10 year follow up there were 4 revisions for instability but none for mechanical failure. There were three femoral revisions for loosening but the cup was intact and not revised in these patients. Utilising the Livermore measurement method polyethylene wear averages 0.8mm per year (0.6mm-1.3mm) and there have been no revisions for wear. Radiographic evaluation demonstrates stable bony interface in all patients. In a Mayo series of prospectively randomised patients also at minimum 10 years there was no lysis and only one case of aseptic loosening in a beaded titanium cup. At minimum 10-year follow up two similar elliptical monoblock cementless acetabular component designs with compression molded polyethylene have confirmed the theoretical advantages of this design concept and demonstrate long term results that have been excellent to date

Introduction. Various implant designs and bearing surfaces are used in TKR. The use of All Poly Tibia and poly moulded on Tibial metal base plate has been in practice since long. Recently due to the reports on wear and osteolysis in modular articulations, these components have generated significant interest. Aim. To report early medium term results in elderly (>70 years) patients. Method. Study of 130 cases done between 2005–2009. All cases were performed by the author. Inclusion Criteria:. Patients with physiological age > 70 years. Patients with low functional demand. Good bone quality. Exclusion Criteria: Inflammatory arthropathy. Osteoporosis and poor bone quality. High functional demand. All Poly Tibial component/ Moulded Metal back Tibia implantations were performed. A PS design was used in all cases fixed with CMW 1 gentamicin cement. Results. 12 cases were lost to follow up. 11 patients deceased due to medical conditions. This left us with 107 cases at the time of the last follow up. Mean age at index surgery was 72.5 years.(70–91 years). Preop KSS average was 42 (25–62). Post operative at the latest Follow up was 89 (68–97). Of 107 cases there were 4 revisions - two for deep sepsis and two for periprosthetic fractures. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening or osteolysis. All 103 cases are performing well functionally and clinically. 19 cases have a nonprogressive radiolucent line beneath the Tibial component. Discussion. Use of Monobloc Tibia is somewhat controversial. The first Total condylar Knee was an all poly design in early 70s. 1. The monobloc tibia eliminates backside wear. The overall thickness of polyethylene in this implant is 2 to 4mm thicker in allpoly tibia design. The metal base plate with compression moulded polyethylene dissipates stresses evenly in osteopaenic bones. The polywear and osteolysis are two most important factors for aseptic loosening. If Symptomatic, loosening warrants a revision surgery. Metal back fixed bearing implant has a disadvantage that it wears from both the surfaces. The highly polished trays are supposed to reduce the wear but it is too early for a statistically significant conclusion. Functionally low demand patients have lesser stresses as compared to their counterparts. The surgical technique for insertion of these implants is slightly demanding as compared to modular implants. The combination of perfect alignment and soft tissue balance creates an environment for a successful TKR. The choice of Monobloc Tibial component for functionally low demand age group patients reduce the chances of premature wear and osteolysis. In elderly patients the implant should outlive the patient. Here it is observed that at early medium term (5 to 9 yr.s) aseptic loosening and subsequent revision chances are low. The Monobloc Tibial component is cheaper as compared to its metal back counterpart. Conclusion. An excellent clinical result in our hands for this group of patients supports the continued use of this implant strongly

Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most successful procedures in orthopaedic surgery. Although originally limited to more elderly and less active individuals, the inclusion criteria for TKR have changed, with ever younger, more active and heavier patients receiving TKR. Currently, wear debris related osteolysis and associated prosthetic loosening are major modes of failure for TKR implants of all designs. Initially, tibial components were cemented all polyethylene monoblock constructs. Subsequent long-term follow-up studies of these implants have demonstrated excellent durability in survivorship studies out to twenty years. Aseptic loosening of the tibial component was one of the main causes of failure in these implants. Cemented metal-backed nonmodular tibial components were subsequently introduced to allow for improved tibial load distribution and to protect osteoporotic bone. Long-term studies have established that many one-piece nonmodular tibial components have maintained excellent durability. Eventually, modularity between the polyethylene tibial component and the metal-backed tray was introduced in the mid-80s mainly to facilitate screw fixation for cementless implants. These designs also provided intraoperative versatility by allowing interchange of various polyethylene thicknesses, and to also aid the addition of stems and wedges. Other advantages included the reduction of inventory, and the potential for isolated tibial polyethylene exchanges as a simpler revision procedure. However, several studies have documented the high failure rate of isolated polyethylene exchange procedures, probably because technical problems related to the original components are left uncorrected. Since the late 1980s, the phenomena of polyethylene wear and osteolysis have been observed much more frequently when compared with earlier eras. The reasons for this increased prevalence of synovitis, progressive osteolysis, and severe polyethylene wear remain unclear, but there is no question that it was associated with the widespread use of both cementless and cemented modular tibial designs. Mayo Data. The study population included 10,601 adult patients with 14,524 primary TKA procedures performed at our institution between 1/1/1988 and 12/31/2005. Mean age was 68.7 years and 55% were female. Overall revision rates and revisions for loosening, wear/osteolysis were compared across different designs. Over an average 9 year follow-up, a total of 865 revisions, including 252 tibia revisions were performed, corresponding to overall survival of 89% (Confidence intervals (CI): 88%, 90%) at 15 years. In comparison to metal modular designs, risk of tibial revision was significantly lower with all-poly tibias (HR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.5). Overall, posterior cruciate-retaining designs performed better than the posterior-stabilised designs (p=0.002). With any revision as the endpoint, there were no significant differences across the 18 designs examined. Similarly, there were no significant differences across the 18 designs when we considered revisions for aseptic loosening, wear, and osteolysis. Among patient characteristics, male gender, younger age, and higher BMI were all significantly associated with higher risk of revisions (p<0.008). Summary. Available data support the use of nonmodular tibial designs in TKA in order to prevent or reduce the chance of backside wear, third body particles from resulting metallic debris and associated polyethylene induced osteolysis. In all patients, (not just older individuals) use of an all polyethylene tibial component is an attractive and more cost effective alternative, and is associated with the best survivorship and lowest risk of revision

The cemented acetabular component has been essentially abandoned, due to the reliable and durable fixation provided by bone ingrowth into cementless acetabular components of many different designs. A variety of porous surfaces including sintered beads, titanium fibermetal, plasma sprayed titanium, and ultraporous tantalum have been shown to result in significant osteointegration, and provide long term fixation of cementless acetabular components. New ultraporous metals will also likely prove to perform similarly, however, their advantages in the primary THA are unclear. Most currently available cementless acetabular components rely on obtaining initial “interference” or “frictional” fit provided by relative underreaming. Many designs incorporate additional features such as screws, pegs, and fins to limit implant micromotion and augment initial fixation until early tissue ingrowth occurs. “Underreaming” by more than 1 mm has been associated with incomplete component seating and increased incidence of acetabular fracture. Knowledge of the geometry of the component by the surgeon is recommended, since some designs are elliptical and have a built-in degree of interference fit. Screws used to augment acetabular fixation in the primary THA can typically be restricted to the area of the acetabular dome (cluster configuration) and cups with multiple holes are usually unnecessary and may be undesirable as they allow access of wear debris to the acetabular implant-bone interface. In order to minimize backside wear and dissociation of the acetabular liner, modular components need to have a well-designed locking mechanism. Retrieval studies have shown that the peripheral rim of the acetabular liner is most susceptible to oxidative degradation and the integrity of the locking mechanism in this area can be compromised with time. Non-modular, “one piece” components eliminate these concerns, but most of these designs rely on initial frictional fit alone for stability. In the event that the position of a nonmodular component needs to be changed intra-operatively, the quality of frictional fit after repositioning can be diminished and may not be sufficient for implant stability. Modular components that incorporate screws, allow for acetabular component repositioning and adjunctive fixation with screws. Many newer acetabular component designs can accommodate a modular liner for either a metal on polyethylene, ceramic on ceramic or metal on metal bearing

Background:. Varus-valgus constrained (VVC) implants are used in cases of severe valgus deformity, attenuated medial collateral ligament and difficulty in balancing the medial and lateral gaps of the knee. The increased constraint has been postulated to lead to more stress at the bone-implant interface and early loosening. The objective of this study was to compare the wear characteristics of the polyethylene liner in VVC prosthesis with the posterior-stabilized (PS) prosthesis and identify the factors leading to more wear in the VVC tibial inserts. Methods:. This was a retrieval analysis of all VVC liners collected from patients who underwent revision surgery from 1999 to 2011. These patients were matched to another group with posterior-stabilized inserts who underwent revision in the same time period. These two groups of patients were similar in terms of their demographic data and implant dimensions. Inserts were divided into 16 zones and a microscopic analysis of surface damage was carried out. We determined overall damage with a scoring system. Pre-revisions radiographs were reviewed and analyzed for correlation with the wear profile. Results:. There was significantly more damage in the posts of the VVC group (13.0 ± 5.0, compared to 4.7 ± 1.9 in the PS group) (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the backside wear, or wear in the medial and lateral compartments. Within the VVC group, the total damage score and cold flow damage were significantly higher with excessive joint line changes (≥ 5 mm). The excessive joint line elevation was associated with rotational wear pattern of the post (p = 0.004). The total abrasion and pitting scores were also higher in knees without proper restoration of the limb alignment (> 3° varus or valgus). Femoral component malposition correlated with higher total cold flow, pitting, debris damage scores, wear in medial and lateral compartments, and the anterior portion of the insert. The total damage scores for the posts in the VVC group were significantly higher with anterior tibial slope, and tibial component malposition. The most common cold flow deformation was found in the posterior post, followed by the anterior post. The cold flow damage to the post was significantly higher in excessive joint line changes (anterior and posterior post) and in tibial malposition (medial and lateral post). Conclusion:. The increased constraint resulted in more post damage. Joint line elevation, femoral and tibial component malposition, and anterior tibial slope resulted in significantly more wear in the VVC inserts