Abstract
Introduction: The Charite Mark 3 disc prosthesis has been used by the senior author for ten years. There has always been a question mark over the wear properties of the high density polyethylene spacer used in this prosthesis.
Methods: Ten patients who have received Charite implants, eight, nine and ten years ago were subjected to helical CT scanning. Slices at 3 mm. intervals were taken across the prosthetic levels. Fifteen prostheses were studied. Four clinicians, two of whom were radiologists and one a spinal fellow, assessed the CT scans against a standard protocol. Since the original heights of the prostheses were known, it was possible to measure prosthetic height and therefore get an estimate of wear. In addition, areas of osteolysis around the prostheses were estimated, again as a sign of wear.
Results: Remarkably little wear or wear debris was noted around the 15 prostheses.
Conclusions: Although this is a small series, it confirms that the medium-term performance of this prosthesis as far as wear is concerned is good.
Abstracts prepared by Mr. A. J. Stirling, FRCS, and Miss A. Weaver. Correspondence should be addressed to Miss A. Weaver at the Research and Teaching Centre, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK
BritSpine 2002, the second combined meeting of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons, the British Cervical Spine Society, The British Scoliosis Society and the Society for Back Pain Research, took place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham UK between 27th February and 1st March 2002. The following presentations and posters were given and displayed.
