The Use of Polycarbonate-Urethane as an Acetabular Shell Bearing Surface: A 5-Year Prospective Study

Abstract

Aim To evaluate the clinical performance of a polycarbonate-urethane liner as a bearing material inside a cobalt-chrome acetabular shell. Methods Between December 2007 and July 2011, this material combination was used in 27 total hip replacement patients, most of whom had an indication of osteoarthritis. This report focuses on the first 5-year results of the clinical use of this material combination in the TriboFit® Hip System. Results Mean Harris Hip Score showed significant improvement from 40 to 86 after 5 years, similar to studies in the literature. No adverse events - revisions or complications - or disadvantages that have been reported for other total hip materials were observed over the 5-year period. The radiographs showed no signs of wear, migration or loosening of the implants. Conclusions These early results indicate this new material combination offers promise as a safe and effective alternative bearing material for use in total hip systems. Further clinical trials are necessary to reconfirm these findings.