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New alternatives to Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing

2 Aug 2021

Metal-on-polyethylene hip implant may improve resurfacing arthroplasty outcomes

Hip Resurfacing remains an excellent procedure. Prof McMinn and Mr Ronan Treacy’s previous design the BIRMINGHAM HIP™ Resurfacing (BHR™) (1) proudly demonstrates an ODEP 13A* rating in the UK. (2)


Restrictions in size range and gender application in many countries relating to Metal on Metal Hip Resurfacing, limit the use of these implants to males, and component sizes from 48 to 62mm only.


JointMedica and others, are exploring alternative materials to Metal on Metal for use in Hip Resurfacings.


Encouraging results with modern polyethylene supports JointMedica's hypothesis that Highly Cross-linked Polyethylene could offer advantages over hard on hard articulations in the longer term (4). This material concept has been explored by other authors for it's suitability for use in Hip Resurfacings (5,6). The wear resistance and performance of these cross-linked polyethylene implants are encouraging in active patients. The requirement for a two-piece acetabular component which necessitates the need for a locking mechanism opens up discussion relating to both acetabular bone conservation, (7) and the effectiveness of acetabular liner locking mechanisms. (8)


JointMedica are delighted to observe the growing interest in McMinn and Treacy’s newest Hip Resurfacing concept, which takes advantage of their unprecedented knowledge and experience in Hip Resurfacing design. Our unique monoblock highly crosslinked polyethylene Hip Resurfacing concept grew out of the need to offer active females, metal sensitive patients, individuals in need of a conservative revision procedure, and patients of a smaller stature, the ability to enjoy the benefits of Hip Resurfacing. The early experience with a conservative series of Custom-made implants was published on the 9th October 2019, and has now been officially downloaded over 1500 times! (9).



JointMedica looks forward to sharing the next phase of its Polymotion™ Hip Resurfacing (PHR™) development journey with you soon.


References:

  1. BHR™ Smith & Nephew orthopaedics Ltd

  4. PERIACETABULAR STRESS SHIELDING IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY R.P. Pitto, W. Kalender, R. Schmidt Orthopaedic Proceedings Vol. 84-B, No. SUPP III Published Online:21 Feb 2018

  5. Highly cross-linked polyethylene in hip resurfacing arthroplasty: long-term follow-up Harlan C. Amstutz, Karren M. Takamura, Edward Ebramzadeh, Michel J. Le Duff. Hip Int 2015; 25 (1): 39-43

  6. Polyethylene for hip resurfacing—worth a second look James W. Pritchett. Ann Joint 2020; 5:10.

  7. The removal of acetabular bone in hip resurfacing and cementless total hip replacement. M. B. Cross, M. M. Dolan, G. S. Sidhu, J. Nguyen, D. J. Mayman, E. P. Su. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2012;94-B:1339–43.

  8. Early Failure of a Cross-Linked Polyethylene Acetabular Liner A Case Report. David Moore, MD, Preston R. Beck, MS, Donald W. Petersen, PhD, John M. Cuckler, MD, Jack E. Lemons, PhD, and Alan W. Eberhardt, PhD. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008 Nov 1; 90(11): 2499–2504.

  9. Preliminary report of clinical experience with metal-on highly-crosslinked-polyethylene hip resurfacing. Treacy RBC, Holland JP, Daniel J, Ziaee H, McMinn DJW. Bone Joint Res. 2019;8(10):443-450

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