Abstract
Four low-cost hip prostheses, explanted because of clinical failure within three years, were subjected to a retrieval analysis study to determine the cause of the early failure. The study aimed to determine whether the low-cost prosthesis was substandard and had consequently contributed to the need for early revision. The retrieval analysis included a photographic record, a fractographic examination, an analysis of the material composition of the components, and a mechanical property analysis. These investigations were done in accordance with the ASTM F561 standards.
Results demonstrated substandard qualities in respect of all parameters analysed. We conclude that the inferior quality of these low-cost hip prostheses contributed appreciably to their early failure and revision.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
