The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 24, Issue 8 , Pages 1221-1224, December 2009

Differences in Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Wear Between Zirconia and Cobalt-Chromium Femoral Heads in Japanese Patients:

A prospective, randomized study

  • Kenji Kawate, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Kenji Kawate, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
    • ,
  • Tetsuji Ohmura, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohdaiji Seishien, Nara, Japan
    • ,
  • Ikuo Kawahara, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
    • ,
  • Katsuya Tamai, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Prefectural Nara Hospital, Nara, Japan
    • ,
  • Tomoyuki Ueha, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
    • ,
  • Kazuo Takemura, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saiseikai Chuwa Hospital, Nara, Japan

Received 29 January 2009; accepted 26 May 2009.

Abstract 

The purpose of this study was to compare highly cross-linked polyethylene wear between the zirconia head and the cobalt-chromium head in Japanese patients. A prospective, randomized study was performed to evaluate the outcomes in 32 hips that had zirconia heads and in 30 hips that had cobalt-chromium heads. The mean follow-up periods of both groups were same (5 years). There were no significant differences between the zirconia head and the cobalt-chromium head in the mean polyethylene linear wear per year and the mean volumetric polyethylene wear per year in the steady phase. This study indicates that zirconia head offers no benefits over metal head in terms of wear reduction at 5 years in Japanese patients who have lightweight and thin polyethylene liners.

Keywords: primary total hip arthroplasty, zirconia head, cobalt-chromium head, highly cross-linked polyethylene, wear

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 No benefits or funds were received in support of the study.

PII: S0883-5403(09)00212-5

doi:10.1016/j.arth.2009.05.023

The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 24, Issue 8 , Pages 1221-1224, December 2009

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