Comparison of polyethylene wear of vitamin E-diffused and MPC-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare polyethylene wear of vitamin E-diffused highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-grafted HXLPE in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Thirty-six THAs with vitamin E-diffused HXLPE (VEPE) and 143 THAs with MPC-grafted HXLPE were evaluated. The Merle d’Aubigné and Postel scores were administered. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was analyzed. Annual radiographs were analyzed using computerized method and linear steady-state wear rate was measured. The mean duration of follow-up was 9 years (range, 6–11 years) in VEPE group and 8 years (range, 5–10 years) in MPC group (p < 0.001). The mean Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scores improved postoperatively in both groups. Kaplan-Meier survivorship with endpoint of revision was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 100–100%) in VEPE group and 98% (95% CI, 94–99%) in MPC group at 9 years (p = 0.083). The mean steady-state wear rate was 0.004 mm/year in VEPE group and 0.007 mm/year in MPC group (p = 0.972). The clinical results of both groups were good and wear rates of both liners were very low.