Cementation of a polyethylene liner into a metal acetabular shell: a biomechanical study

Cementation of a liner into a well-fixed acetabular shell is common in revision hip arthroplasty. We compare the biomechanical strengths of cemented liners with standard locked liners. Fifty polyethylene liners were inserted into acetabular shells using the standard locking mechanism or 1 of 2 cement types then loaded to failure by torsion or lever-out testing. Lever-out testing showed that all cemented liners failed at similar loads to standard locked liners. With torsion testing, cemented liners failed at significantly higher loads than standard locked liners; roughening the liner increased load to failure. Cementation of an acetabular liner into a metal shell is safe and strong and a good alternative to metal shell replacement. Saw roughening of the polyethylene liner strengthens the poly-cement interface.