The use of cross-linked polyethylene significantly reduces the revision rate at 16 years after total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, according to a study in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
Here are five things to know:
1. Researchers used a national registry of all patients who underwent THA for osteoarthritis in Australia from 1999 through Dec. 31, 2016. They compared the outcomes of THAs performed with XLPE and those performed with conventional non-cross-linked polyethylene.
2. XLPE was used in 199,131 procedures, and CPE was used in 41,171 procedures.
3. XLPE was associated with a lower rate of revision than CPE at six months. The difference grew greater over time.
4. In the CPE group, 11.7 percent of patients underwent primary THA revision over 16 years, compared to 6.2 percent in the XLPE group.
5. The study authors suggest longevity of THA is likely to be improved, which may encourage younger patients to undergo the procedure.