Introduction
To date, no studies have been published that report on the in vivo advantages of sterilisation in argon (ARGON) versus air
(AIR) of UHMWPE liners with respect to wear extend and pattern in uncemented total hip arthroplasty.
Method
Femoral penetration rates were measured in 93 AIR and 79 ARGON liners, during a mean follow-up of 8 (3–12) years.
Results
During the first 3 years after implantation, both groups showed no differences in mean wear rate (P = 0.13). Thereafter, the ARGON liner demonstrated a decrease in wear rate of 0.04 mm/year from 4 to 6 years (P = 0.006), 0.14 mm/year from 7 to 9 years (P < 0.001), and 0.33 mm/year beyond 9 years follow-up (P = 0.015) compared to the AIR liner. One AIR acetabular component required revision.
Keywords Uncemented total hip arthroplasty - Polyethylene - Wear - Argon sterilised liners - Osteolysis - Outcome