Analysis of the Risk of Wear on Cemented and Uncemented Polyethylene Liners According to Different Variables in Hip Arthroplasty

Summary

This study examines the risk of wear in cemented and uncemented polyethylene liners used in total hip arthroplasty (THA), employing finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate different variables affecting implant longevity. The research analyzes factors such as acetabular fixation type, polyethylene liner thickness, femoral head material, and the positioning of the acetabular component. Results indicate that cemented liners consistently show a lower risk of wear compared to uncemented ones, particularly when placed in the anatomical center with a minimum thickness of 5 mm. The study also finds that ceramic femoral heads exhibit less wear risk than metallic ones, and that high-offset femoral stems reduce wear more effectively than standard stems. These findings suggest that implant design and positioning are critical to reducing wear and improving long-term THA outcomes, providing valuable insights for surgical planning and prosthetic development.