ABSTRACT
This report describes the first human retrieval of a polycarbonate-urethane (PCU) acetabular cup implanted for 10.5 months that was revised for pain of unknown origin. By using a micro-CT analysis, the articulating surface was determined to have a wear rate of less than 1.4 mm3 per year. An analysis of the synovial fluid retrieved at the time of revision found an average particle size of 1 mum diameter. Overall, the surgical findings and analysis were consistent with the results observed in laboratory and animal studies. The histology and synovial fluid analysis found sparse evidence of particulate debris and no synovitis, indicating the potential of this articulating material for use as a bearing surface.
Subject(s)
Acetabulum/surgery , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/instrumentation , Coated Materials, Biocompatible/analysis , Hip Prosthesis , Prosthesis Design , Acetabulum/pathology , Aged , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods , Equipment Failure Analysis , Female , Femoral Neck Fractures/surgery , Humans , Interferometry , Pain, Postoperative/surgery , Polycarboxylate Cement/analysis , Prosthesis Failure , Reoperation , Surface Properties , Synovial Fluid/chemistry , Urethane/analysis , Weight-BearingABSTRACT
This article describes the Prestige LP Artificial Cervical Disc, a new motion-sparing medical device designed for use in the cervical spine to treat symptomatic degenerative disc disease in patients who have failed conservative care. This technology allows for the maintenance of normal cervical spinal motion. As such, this motion-sparing technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of this disease. In addition to allowing restoration of the normal spinal motion, this new device does not require bone graft or as long a recovery time as needed for fusion of the joint. Owing to these features, motion-sparing devices may replace the standard fusion technique currently employed in many patients to reduce pain after degeneration of the disc of the neck.