Comparison of wear rates for metal-on polyethylene and metal-on-metal hips

Recent dinical studies suggest that polyethylene wear and associated debris may result in long-term problem for some total hip replacement patients. Sub-micron debris particles are thought to cause osteolysis in the surrounding bone leading to loosening and revision. The wear performance of polyethylene components my be improved through changes in the composition and processing of UHMWPE. Reexamining the potential of a metai-on-metal articulation is an alternative approach. The objective of this study was to compare the volumetric wear rates of several different metal-on-polyethylene bearing couples to that of a metal-onmetal couple under the controlled conditions provided by hip simulator testing.