FIVE-YEAR EXPERIENCE OF VITAMIN E STABILISED, IRRADIATED ULTRA-HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE WEAR AND STABILITY OF REGENEREX ACETABULAR SHELLS AND FEMORAL COMPONENTS USING RSA

IntroductionOsteolysis caused by wear of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) often leads to failure. Cross-linking improves wear, but also produces residual free radicals that decrease oxidative stability. In vitro studies have shown that the anti-oxidative properties of vitamin E UHMWPE stabilize free radicals while retaining the physical and chemical properties of UHMWPE. The porous surface of the Regenerex™ shell was developed for improved bone in-growth fixation. The increased porosity of the Regenerex™ shell promotes early bony in-growth with the goal of greater long-term stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate vitamin E infused polyethylene (VEPE) wear and stability of acetabular and femoral components using RSA.Methods58 patients (64 observed hips), all with osteoarthritis, gave informed consent to participate in a 5 year RSA study. Each patient received a VEPE liner, a Regenerex™ acetabular shell, and an uncemented stem with either a 32mm or 36 mm cobalt chrome femora...