Effects of a roughened femoral head and the locus of grafting on the wear resistance of the phospholipid polymer-grafted acetabular liner.

Although laboratory tests and mid-term clinical outcomes show the clinical safety and remarkable wear resistance of the highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) acetabular liner with a nanometer-scaled graft layer of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), the wear resistance of the layer under severe abrasive conditions is concerning. We evaluated the effects of a roughened femoral head and the grafting locus on the wear resistance of the PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner and the effect of PMPC grafting on wear resistance of the HXLPE substrate by removing the PMPC-grafted layer using a severely roughened femoral head. Against a moderately roughened femoral head, the PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner showed negative wear, although an untreated HXLPE liner increased the wear by 154.1% compared with wear against a polished femoral head, confirming that PMPC grafts were unaffected. Against a severely roughened femoral head, the PMPC-grafted layer of the head contact area might be removed under severe conditions. However, the wear rate was reduced by 52.5% compared to that of untreated HXLPE liners. Moreover, the head non-contact area-modified PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner against a polished femoral head reduced the wear by 76.8% compared with untreated HXLPE liner; thus, this area may be also important in the development of fluid-film lubrication. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Here we describe effects of a roughened femoral head and the locus of grafting on the wear-resistance of the phospholipid polymer grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene (PMPC-HXLPE) liner. Against a moderately roughened femoral head, the PMPC-HXLPE liner showed negative wear, confirming that PMPC grafts were unaffected. After removing the PMPC layer of the head contact area using a severely roughened femoral head, the wear rate not only exceeded that of untreated HXLPE liners, but was reduced by 52.5%, confirming that PMPC grafting does not affect the wear-resistance of the HXLPE substrate. In addition, the head non-contact area-modified PMPC-HXLPE liner reduced the wear by 76.8%. Thus, this area may also may be important in the development of fluid-film lubrication.

Evaluation of the three-dimensional bony coverage before and after rotational acetabular osteotomy.

PURPOSE: Rotational acetabular osteotomy is a type of pelvic osteotomy that involves rotation of the acetabular bone to improve the bony coverage of the femoral head for patients with acetabular dysplasia. Favourable post-operative long-term outcomes have been reported in previous studies. However, there is a paucity of published data regarding three-dimensional bony coverage. The present study investigated the three-dimensional bony coverage of the acetabulum covering the femoral head in hips before and after rotational acetabular osteotomy and in normal hips. METHODS: The computed tomography data of 40 hip joints (12 joints before and after rotational acetabular osteotomy; 16 normal joints) were analyzed. The three-dimensional bony coverage of each joint was evaluated using original software. RESULTS: The post-operative bony coverage improved significantly compared with pre-operative values. In particular, the anterolateral aspect of the acetabulum tended to be dysplastic in patients with acetabular dysplasia compared to those with normal hip joints. However, greater bony coverage at the anterolateral aspect was obtained after rotational acetabular osteotomy. Meanwhile, the results of the present study may indicate that the bony coverage in the anterior aspect may be excessive. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional analysis indicated that rotational acetabular osteotomy achieved favorable bony coverage. Further investigations are necessary to determine the ideal bony coverage after rotational acetabular osteotomy.

Wear resistance of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-grafted carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) liners against metal and ceramic femoral heads.

Younger, active patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) have increasing needs for wider range of motion and improved stability of the joint. Therefore, bearing materials having not only higher wear resistance but also mechanical strength are required. Carbon fiber-reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (CFR-PEEK) is known as a super engineering plastic that has great mechanical strength. In this study, we focused on poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC)-grafted CFR-PEEK and investigated the effects of PMPC grafting and the femoral heads materials on the wear properties of CFR-PEEK liners. Compared with untreated CFR-PEEK, the PMPC-grafted CFR-PEEK surface revealed higher wettability and lower friction properties under aqueous circumstances. In the hip simulator wear test, wear particles generated from the PMPC-grafted CFR-PEEK liners were fewer than those of the untreated CFR-PEEK liners. There were no significant differences in the size and the morphology of the wear particles between the differences of PMPC-grafting and the counter femoral heads. Zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) femoral heads had significantly smoother surfaces compared to cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy femoral heads after the hip simulator test. Thus, we conclude that the bearing combination of the PMPC-grafted CFR-PEEK liner and ZTA head is expected to be a lifelong bearing interface in THA. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1028-1037, 2018.

The effects of presence of a backside screw hole on biotribological behavior of phospholipid polymer-grafted crosslinked polyethylene.

One of the important factors in determining the success of joint replacement is the wear performance of polyethylene. Although highly crosslinked polyethylene (CLPE) is presently used, it is still not adequate. We have developed a surface modification technology using poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) in an attempt to improve wear performance. In this study, we evaluated the wear and creep deformation resistances of 3-mm and 6-mm thick PMPC-grafted CLPE disks, set on a metal back-plate, with and without a sham screw hole. The gravimetric wear and volumetric change of the disks were examined using a multidirectional pin-on-disk tester. PMPC grafting decreased the gravimetric wear of CLPE regardless of the presence of a screw hole, and did not affect the volumetric change. The volumetric change in the bearing and backside surfaces of the 3-mm thick disk with a screw hole was much larger than that of those without a screw hole or those of the 6-mm thick disk, which was caused by creep deformation. PMPC grafting on the bearing surface can be a material engineering approach to reduce the wear without changing the creep deformation resistance, and is a promising surface modification technology that can be used to increase the longevity of various artificial joints. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 610-618, 2018.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Specific Liner in Small Asian Patients: Influence of Patient-Related, Implant-Related, and Surgical Factors on Femoral Head Penetration.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes, including femoral head penetration, of total hip arthroplasty performed using a specific polyethylene (PE) liner in small Asian patients at 10 years after the index surgery. In addition, we investigated whether femoral head penetration was affected by patient-related, implant-related, and surgical factors. METHODS: Between August 2002 and June 2005, for cementless primary total hip arthroplasty, we used acetabular PE liners that were manufactured from GUR 1050 resin, machined from isostatic compression-molded bar stock, and sterilized with a gamma ray irradiation in argon gas. We assessed 82 hips in 78 patients who received these liners. RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score improved from 41.0 preoperatively to 84.5 at 10 years postoperatively. Periprosthetic osteolysis was observed in 7 hips (9.8%). No acetabular component migration was detected, and no revision surgery was performed 10 years postoperatively. The mean steady-state wear rate was 0.031 mm/y, which was lower than the wear rate for other conventional PE liners of the previous studies. Among the patient-related, implant-related, and surgical factors, sex was significantly associated with the mean steady-state wear rate, with a higher rate in male patients than in female patients. CONCLUSION: PE acetabular liners used in small Asian patients show similar clinical outcomes and reduced wear compared with those of other liners. In addition, sex is significantly associated with the mean steady-state wear rate, and the steady-state wear rate is higher in male patients than in female patients.

Factors associated with functional limitations in the daily living activities of Japanese hip osteoarthritis patients.

AIM: As society ages, there is a vast number of elderly people with locomotive syndrome. In this study, the factors associated with functional limitations in daily living activities evaluated by female hip osteoarthritis (OA) patients were investigated. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study. The subjects were 353 female patients who were newly diagnosed with hip OA at an orthopedic clinic with no history of hip joint surgery. Outcome indices were functional limitations in two daily living activities obtained from a questionnaire completed by the patients: (i) standing up (standing from a crouched position) and (ii) stair-climbing (climbing and/or descending stairs). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for explanatory variables using the proportional odds model in logistic regression to evaluate their associations with functional limitations. RESULTS: Functional limitations in standing up were associated with heavy weight (third tertile vs. first tertile: 1.91, 1.11-3.27), participation in sports at school (0.62, 0.40-0.98), parity (vs. nullipara: 1.96, 1.08-3.56), old age and OA stage. Associations with functional limitations in stair-climbing were seen with short height (< 151.0 cm vs. ≥ 156.0 cm: 2.05, 1.02-4.12), bilateral involvement (vs. unilateral: 1.71, 1.01-2.88), old age and OA stage. CONCLUSION: Old age, OA stage, heavy weight, parity, shorter height and bilateral OA were associated with functional limitations in standing up and/or stair-climbing, whereas participation in sports such as club activities in school maintained standing up.

A hydrated phospholipid polymer-grafted layer prevents lipid-related oxidative degradation of cross-linked polyethylene.

The surface and substrate of a cross-linked polyethylene (CLPE) liner are designed to achieve resistance against oxidative degradation in the construction of hip joint replacements. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the oxidative degradation caused by lipid absorption of a highly hydrophilic nanometer-scaled thickness layer prepared by grafting a poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) layer and a high-dose gamma-ray irradiated CLPE with vitamin E blending (HD-CLPE[VE]). The HD-CLPE(VE) and PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) exhibited extremely high oxidation resistance regardless of lipid absorption, even though residual-free radical levels were detectable. The water wettability of the PMPC-grafted CLPE and PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) surfaces was considerably greater than that of untreated surfaces. The hydrated PMPC-grafted layer also exhibited extremely low solubility for squalene. Lipids such as squalene and cholesterol esters diminished the oxidation resistance of CLPE despite the vitamin E improvement. Notably, the PMPC-grafted surface was resistant to lipid absorption and diffusion as well as subsequent lipid-related oxidative degradation, likely because of the presence of the hydrated PMPC-grafted layer. Together, these results provide preliminary evidence that the resistance against lipid absorption and diffusion of a hydrated PMPC-grafted layer might positively affect the extent of resistance to the in vivo oxidation of orthopedic implants.

Clinical safety and wear resistance of the phospholipid polymer-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liner.

To reduce the production of wear particles and subsequent aseptic loosening, we created a human articular cartilage-mimicked surface for a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner, whose surface grafted layer consisted of a biocompatible phospholipid polymer, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine). Although our previous in vitro findings showed that poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-grafted particles were biologically inert and caused no subsequent bone resorptive responses, and poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) grafting markedly decreased wear in hip joint simulator tests, the clinical safety, and in vivo wear resistance of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liners remained open to question. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liners 5 years subsequent to total hip replacement in 68 consecutive patients. No reoperation was required for any reason, and no adverse events were associated with the implanted liners. The average Harris Hip Score increased from 38.6 preoperatively to 96.5 5 years postoperatively, and health-related quality of life, as indicated by the Short Form 36 Health Survey, improved. Radiographic analyses showed no periprosthetic osteolysis or implant migration. Between 1 and 5 years postoperatively, the mean steady-state wear rate was 0.002 mm/year, which represented a marked reduction relative to other highly cross-linked polyethylene liners, and appeared to be unaffected by patient-related or surgical factors. Although longer follow up is required, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liners improved mid-term clinical outcomes. The clinical safety and wear-resistance results are encouraging with respect to the improvement of long-term clinical outcomes with poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liners. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2007-2016, 2017.

Factors associated with diagnostic stage of hip osteoarthritis due to acetabular dysplasia among Japanese female patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In Japan, the majority of hip osteoarthritis (OA) was caused by acetabular dysplasia, and about 90 % of patients were female. The present study focused on Japanese female patients with hip OA due to acetabular dysplasia, and examined the associated factors with OA staging at diagnosis, in special reference to body weight. METHODS: Study subjects were 336 Japanese women who were newly diagnosed with hip OA caused by acetabular dysplasia at 15 hospitals in 2008. The self-administered questionnaire elicited patients' body weight at age 20 and at OA diagnosis. Four ranked OA staging according to radiographic findings of the hip joint (pre-OA, initial stage, advanced stage or terminal stage) was regarded as the outcome index. Proportional odds models in logistic regression were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for severer stage of OA. RESULTS: At diagnosis, 45 % of patients suffered from terminal stage of OA, whereas 13 % and 14 % were categorized into pre-OA and initial stage, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, weight gain since age 20 revealed the increased ORs for severer OA stage at diagnosis (OR 2.02; 95 % CI, 1.07-3.80). Other significant characteristics were age (67+ vs. 20-49 years, OR 12.4), lower education (junior high school vs. junior college or higher, OR 4.00), parity (OR 2.19), lower acetabular head index (<60.0 vs. 71.1+, OR 2.36), and longer duration since symptom onset (6.0+ vs. <1.0 year, OR 2.94). CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain since age 20 might be involved in mechanisms of OA development, which is independent of age or severity of acetabular dysplasia.

Effects of extra irradiation on surface and bulk properties of PMPC-grafted cross-linked polyethylene.

Sterilization using high-energy irradiation is an important aspect of implementing an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene acetabular liner in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we evaluate the effects of extra irradiations such as gamma-ray or plasma irradiation during sterilization of the poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine [MPC]) (PMPC) surface and cross-linked polyethylene (CLPE) substrate of a PMPC-grafted CLPE acetabular liner. The PMPC-grafted surface yielded high wettability and low friction properties regardless of the extra irradiations as compared with untreated CLPE. During a hip simulator test, wear resistance of the PMPC-grafted CLPE liner was maintained after extra irradiation, which is due to the high wettability characteristics of the PMPC surface. In particular, the PMPC-grafted CLPE liner treated with plasma irradiation showed greater wettability and wear resistance than that with gamma-ray irradiation. However, we could not clearly observe the changes in chemical properties and morphology of the PMPC surface after both extra irradiations. The physical and mechanical properties attributed to CLPE substrate performance were also unchanged. In contrast, PMPC-grafted CLPE treated with plasma irradiation showed improved oxidation resistance as compared to that treated with gamma-ray irradiation after accelerated aging. Thus, we conclude that PMPC-grafted CLPE with plasma irradiation has promise as a lifelong solution for bearing in THA.

Effects of Surface Modification and Bulk Geometry on the Biotribological Behavior of Cross-Linked Polyethylene: Wear Testing and Finite Element Analysis.

The wear and creep deformation resistances of polymeric orthopedic bearing materials are both important for extending their longevity. In this study, we evaluated the wear and creep deformation resistances, including backside damage, of different polyethylene (PE) materials, namely, conventional PE, cross-linked PE (CLPE), and poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)- (PMPC-) grafted CLPE, through wear tests and finite element analysis. The gravimetric and volumetric degrees of wear of disks (3 or 6 mm in thickness) of these materials against a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy pin were examined using a multidirectional pin-on-disk tester. Cross-linking and PMPC grafting decreased the gravimetric wear of the PE disks significantly. The volumetric wear at the bearing surface and the volumetric penetration in the backside of the 3-mm thick PE disk were higher than those of the 6-mm thick PE disk, regardless of the bearing material. The geometrical changes induced in the PE disks consisted of creep, because the calculated internal von Mises stress at the bearing side of all disks and that at the backside of the 3-mm thick disks exceeded their actual yield strengths. A highly hydrated bearing surface layer, formed by PMPC grafting, and a cross-linking-strengthened substrate of adequate thickness are essential for increasing the wear and creep deformation resistances.

Prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on a vitamin E-blended, cross-linked polyethylene surface with a poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) layer.

In the construction of artificial hip joint replacements, the surface and substrate of a cross-linked polyethylene (CLPE) liner are designed to achieve high wear resistance and prevent infection by bacteria. In this study, we fabricated a highly hydrophilic and antibiofouling poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine [MPC]) (PMPC)-graft layer on the vitamin E-blended CLPE (HD-CLPE(VE)) surface. The 100-nm-thick, smooth, and electrically neutral PMPC layer was successfully fabricated on the HD-CLPE(VE) surface using photoinduced graft polymerization. The PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) was found to prevent bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on the surface because of the formation of a highly hydrophilic polyzwitterionic layer on the surface of HD-CLPE(VE), which can serve as an extremely efficient antibiofouling layer. The number of bacterial adhered on the PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) surface was reduced by 100-fold or more by PMPC grafting, regardless of the biofilm-production characteristics of the strains. In contrast, vitamin E blending did not affect bacterial adhesion. Moreover, the number of planktonic bacteria did not differ significantly, regardless of PMPC grafting and vitamin E blending. In conclusion, the PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) provided bacteriostatic effects associated with smooth, highly hydrophilic surfaces with a neutral electrostatic charge owing to the zwitterionic structure of the MPC unit. Thus, this modification may prove useful for the production of artificial hip joint replacement materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our preliminary in vitro findings suggest that improved bacteriostatic performance of the HD-CLPE(VE) surface in orthopedic implants is possible via PMPC grafting. The results also indicate that surface modifications affect the anti-infection properties of the orthopedic implants and demonstrate that the application of a PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) surface may be a promising approach to extend the longevity and clinical outcomes of total hip arthroplasty. Further research is needed to evaluate the resistance to infection of PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) in terms of the varieties of biofilm formation tests including fluid flow conditions and animal experiments, which may offer useful clues to the possible performance of these materials in vivo.

Wear resistance of the biocompatible phospholipid polymer-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liner against larger femoral head.

The use of larger femoral heads to prevent the dislocation of artificial hip joints has recently become more common. However, concerns about the subsequent use of thinner polyethylene liners and their effects on wear rate have arisen. Previously, we prepared and evaluated the biological and mechanical effects of a novel highly cross-linked polyethylene (CLPE) liner with a nanometer-scaled graft layer of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC). Our findings showed that the PMPC-grafted particles were biologically inert and caused no subsequent bone resorptive responses and that the PMPC-grafting markedly decreased wear in a hip joint simulator. However, the metal or ceramic femoral heads used in this previous study had a diameter of 26 mm. Here, we investigated the wear-resistance of the PMPC-grafted CLPE liner with a 40-mm femoral head during 10 × 10(6) cycles of loading in the hip joint simulator. The results provide preliminary evidence that the grafting markedly decreased gravimetric wear rate and the volume of wear particles, even when coupled with larger femoral heads. Thus, we believe the PMPC-grafting will prolong artificial hip joint longevity both by preventing aseptic loosening and by improving the stability of articular surface.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of total hip replacement with poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liners: three-year results of a prospective consecutive series.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety and wear-resistance of the novel highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) acetabular liner with surface grafting of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) at 3 years after total hip replacement (THR). METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients underwent cementless THR using a 26-mm diameter cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy femoral head and a PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner for the bearing couplings. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 76 patients at 3 years after the index surgery. RESULTS: The clinical results at 3 years were equivalent to a Harris hip score of 95.6 points. No adverse events were associated with the implanted PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner, and no periprosthetic osteolysis was detected. The mean femoral head penetration rate was 0.002 mm/year, representing marked reduction compared with other HXLPE liners. CONCLUSIONS: A PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner is a safe option in THR and probably reduces the generation of wear particles.

Total hip arthroplasty after rotational acetabular osteotomy.

In this study, we aimed to determine whether the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) after rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) are equal to those of primary THA, and to elucidate the characteristics of THA after RAO. The clinical and radiographic findings of THA after RAO (44 hips), with minimum 24 months of follow-up, were compared with a matched control group of 58 hips without prior RAO. We found that the outcomes in terms of functional scores and complication rates did not differ between THA after RAO and THA without previous pelvic osteotomy, indicating that the results of THA after RAO are equivalent to those of primary THA. Although THA after RAO requires technical considerations, similar clinical outcomes to primary THA can be expected.

Multidirectional wear and impact-to-wear tests of phospholipid-polymer-grafted and vitamin E-blended crosslinked polyethylene: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Modifying the surface and substrate of a crosslinked polyethylene (CLPE) liner may be beneficial for high wear resistance as well as high oxidative stability and excellent mechanical properties, which would be useful in contributing to the long-term performance of orthopaedic bearings. A grafted poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) layer on a vitamin E-blended crosslinked PE (HD-CLPE[VE]) surface may provide hydrophilicity and lubricity without compromising the oxidative stability or mechanical properties. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Will the modifications (PMPC grafting and vitamin E blending) affect the lubrication characteristics of the CLPE surface? (2) Will the modifications affect wear resistance? (3) Will the modifications affect fatigue resistance? METHODS: We investigated the effects of surface and substrate modifications (PMPC grafting and vitamin E blending) on the wear and fatigue fracture of thin CLPE samples. For each of the untreated and PMPC-grafted CLPE surfaces with and without vitamin E blended (four groups), wettability and lubricity surface analyses were conducted as well as multidirectional wear and impact-to-wear tests using a pin-on-disk testing machine. RESULTS: The water wettability and lubricity (CLPE [mean ± 95% confidence interval]: 23.2° ± 1.8°, 0.005 ± 0.001; HD-CLPE[VE]: 26.0° ± 2.3°, 0.009 ± 0.003) of the PMPC-grafted surfaces were greater (p < 0.001) than that (CLPE: 90.3° ± 1.2°, 0.067 ± 0.015; HD-CLPE[VE]: 90.8° ± 2.0°, 0.063 ± 0.008) of the untreated surface regardless of vitamin E additives. It was observed that the PMPC grafting (CLPE: 0.23 ± 0.06 mg; HD-CLPE[VE]: 0.05 ± 0.10 mg) was associated with reduced gravimetric wear (CLPE: 0.53 ± 0.08 mg, p = 0.004 HD-CLPE[VE]: 0.23 ± 0.07 mg, p = 0.038) in the multidirectional wear test. The PMPC-grafted surface characteristics did not appear to affect the impact fatigue resistance regardless of vitamin E blending. CONCLUSIONS: PMPC grafting improved the surface hydrophilicity and lubricity, and it reduced the gravimetric wear in terms of multidirectional sliding. It did not result in differences in terms of the impact-to-unidirectional sliding regardless of vitamin E blending. Further research is needed to evaluate the wear resistance of PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) in long-term hip simulator tests under normal and severe conditions, which may offer useful clues to the possible performance of these materials in vivo. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our preliminary in vitro findings suggest that some improvement in the wear performance of crosslinked polyethylene acetabular liners in total hip arthroplasty could be obtained using PMPC grafting. Further research is needed to evaluate the wear resistance of PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) in long-term hip simulator tests under normal and severe conditions, which may offer useful clues to the possible performance of these materials in vivo.

Poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) grafting and vitamin E blending for high wear resistance and oxidative stability of orthopedic bearings.

The ultimate goal in manipulating the surface and substrate of a cross-linked polyethylene (CLPE) liner is to obtain not only high wear resistance but also high oxidative stability and high-mechanical properties for life-long orthopedic bearings. We have demonstrated the fabrication of highly hydrophilic and lubricious poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) grafting layer onto the antioxidant vitamin E-blended CLPE (HD-CLPE(VE)) surface. The PMPC grafting layer with a thickness of 100 nm was successfully fabricated on the vitamin E-blended CLPE surface by using photoinduced-radical graft polymerization. Since PMPC has a highly hydrophilic nature, the water wettability and lubricity of the PMPC-grafted CLPE and HD-CLPE(VE) surfaces were greater than that of the untreated CLPE surface. The PMPC grafting contributed significantly to wear reduction in a hip-joint simulator wear test. Despite high-dose gamma-ray irradiation for cross-linking and further UV irradiation for PMPC grafting, the substrate modified by vitamin E blending maintained high-oxidative stability because vitamin E is an extremely efficient radical scavenger. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the substrate remained almost unchanged even after PMPC grafting or vitamin E blending, or both PMPC grafting and vitamin E blending. In conclusion, the PMPC-grafted HD-CLPE(VE) provided simultaneously high-wear resistance, oxidative stability, and mechanical properties.

Relationship of acetabular dysplasia in females with osteoarthritis of the hip to the distance between both anterior superior iliac spines.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular dysplasia (AD) is the main cause of hip osteoarthritis in Japan. A simple method to evaluate acetabular dysplasia would be helpful for early treatment or prevention of hip osteoarthritis. Acetabular dysplasia is reported to be associated with pathological transverse growth of the pelvis, indicating that the distance between the 2 anterior superior iliac spines might be useful for screening and detection of acetabular dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to determine if the acetabular dysplasia radiographic parameters are related to the distance between the 2 anterior superior iliac spines in patients with hip osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, data obtained in a previous multi-institutional examination of patients with hip osteoarthritis in Japan were evaluated. The anterior superior iliac spine distances of 176 female patients (mean age, 54 years; range, 18-85 years) were measured by physical examination. The relationship between the anterior superior iliac spine distance and acetabular dysplasia was analyzed, and the anterior superior iliac spine distances of the patients with acetabular dysplasia who were at relatively high risk for hip osteoarthritis were compared with that of the patients at lower risk. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship between the anterior superior iliac spine distance and all of the acetabular dysplasia parameters was observed. The anterior superior iliac spine distances of the acetabular dysplasia patients with a relatively high risk for radiographic acetabular dysplasia parameters were significantly smaller than those of patients at lower risk. Even after adjustment for age, height, and weight, significantly increased relative risk for having high risk AD was found in patients with an ASIS distance of less than 24.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant relationship between the anterior superior iliac spine distance and the degree of acetabular dysplasia.

Long-term hip simulator testing of the artificial hip joint bearing surface grafted with biocompatible phospholipid polymer.

To prevent periprosthetic osteolysis and subsequent aseptic loosening of artificial hip joints, we recently developed a novel acetabular highly cross-linked polyethylene (CLPE) liner with graft polymerization of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) on its surface. We investigated the wear resistance of the poly(MPC) (PMPC)-grafted CLPE liner during 20 million cycles in a hip joint simulator. We extended the simulator test of one liner to 70 million cycles to investigate the long-term durability of the grafting. Gravimetric, surface, and wear particle analyses revealed that PMPC grafting onto the CLPE liner surface markedly decreased the production of wear particles and showed that the effect of PMPC grafting was maintained through 70 million cycles. We believe that PMPC grafting can significantly improve the wear resistance of artificial hip joints.

Nationwide investigation into adverse tissue reactions to metal debris after metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) after receiving metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants is a recent concern. However, no epidemiologic study has examined ARMD for MoM hip implants in Japan. The purposes of this study were to research the incidence of ARMD and to identify poorly performing MoM hip implants in Japan. METHODS: From 2000 to 2011, 7 companies provided 23,226 MoM implants in Japan. A questionnaire regarding ARMD was sent to 101 hospitals at which 62% of the 23,226 MoM implants had been used. RESULTS: Replies to the questionnaire were received from 82 hospitals. In these hospitals, surface hip replacement types (SRs) were used in 606 hips and stemmed types were used in 12,961 hips. ARMD were reported in 3 hips (0.5%) with SRs and 160 hips (1.2%) with stemmed types. ARMD in the 3 hips with SRs were asymptomatic and no revisions were performed. Among AMRD with stemmed implants, revision was performed in 83 hips and excision of an ARMD lesion was performed in 3 hips. The remaining 74 hips were asymptomatic and careful follow-up was continued. A significant difference in reoperation rate was evident between SRs (0%) and stemmed types (0.7%). Incidences of ARMD were significantly higher with Ultamet (P = 0.005), Conserve (P < 0.001), and Cormet (P < 0.001) MoM bearing couples than with Metasul bearings. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ARMD in large surgical volume hospitals in Japan from 2000 to 2011 was estimated to be 0.5% with SRs and 1.2% with stemmed types. The reoperation rate was significantly higher with stemmed types than with SRs. Three brands of MoM stemmed implants were identified as showing a higher incidence of ARMD.