Interface Membrane Analysis in Loose Cementless Self-cutting Titanium (CST) Total Hip Arthroplasty

Yoon, Taek Rim; Hur, Jung Tae; Rowe, Sung Man; Moon, Eun Sun

Abstract

PURPOSE
To analyze the characteristics of the interface membrane around loose Cementless Self-Cutting Titanium(CST) acetabular components. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The authors reviewed radiographs of one hundred and thirty-four hips which underwent total hip arthroplasty using Cementless Self-Cutting Titanium(CST) acetabular components, and performed histomorphological analysis on thirteen periprosthetic membranes which were taken out at the time of revision.
RESULTS
After a mean follow-up of 82 months, thirteen hips(10%) underwent revision for acetabular loosening and migration. Histologic evaluation of the periprosthetic membranes showed evidence of abundant polyethylene and metal wear particles. The interface membrane was composed of a well vascularized loose connective tissue with macrophages. Polarized microscopy revealed numerous polyethylene wear particles. Ultrastructurally, numerous, variable-sized, irregular-shaped phagosomes containing electron-dense material were seen within the cytoplasm. Tissue digestion of the periprosthetic tissue eluted numerous polyethylene and metal particles. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis for these wear particles revealed high concentration of titanium and carbon component suggesting that the majority of the metal particles were titanium component and polyethylene particle.
CONCLUSION
This study supports the concept that wear particles in total hip arthroplasty can be a strong stimulus for a foreign body response and that this reaction causes periprosthetic osteolysis and loosening.