Abstract
Background
Reduced dislocation rates using lipped polyethylene (PE) liners in modular uncemented acetabular components has been shown, yet there may be increased wear because of impingement, which may lead to aseptic loosening. We used New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR) data to compare survival rates, revision rates for dislocation and aseptic loosening between lipped and neutral liners.
Methods
31,247 primary THAs using the four commonly used uncemented modular cups were identified (January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2018). The lipped liner group comprised 49% males vs 42% in the neutral group (p < 0.001); 96% had OA vs 95% in the neutral group (p < 0.001). There was no difference in other patient characteristics. Mean follow-up was 5.1 years (SD 3.9); longest follow-up 19.3 years. Kaplan Meier survival rates were compared (20,240 lipped and 11,007 neutral PE liners). Highly cross-linked PE was used in 99% of lipped liner cups vs 85% of neutral liner cups. Associated hazard ratios were calculated using a Cox regression analysis.
Results
KM survival at 10 years for lipped PE liners was 96% for lipped (95%CI 95.4%-96.2%) and 95% for neutral liners (95%CI 94.7%-95.9%). Controlling for age, gender approach, head size, image guidance, the all-cause revision risk was greater for neutral liner (HR 1.17 [95% CI 1.06 to 1.36]; p = 0.032). There was a higher risk of revision for dislocation in those with neutral liners (HR 1.84 [95%CI 1.41–2.41]; p < 0.001) but no difference in the revision rate for aseptic acetabular loosening (HR 0.85 [95%CI 0.52–1.38]; p = 0.511).
Conclusions
Using lipped PE liners is not associated with a higher rate of aseptic loosening in patients who undergo primary THA. Lipped PE liners are associated with lower rates of dislocation and lower all-cause revision rates without any increased association with revision rates for wear and aseptic loosening.
