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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
Published on: September 4, 2016
Retrieval analysis of ceramic-coated metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacements
Harman Khatkar1, Harry Hothi2, Danielle de Villiers1
1Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, University College London, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP, UK.
Purpose:
Ceramic coatings have been used in metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) hips to reduce the risk of wear and also infection; the clinical efficacy of this remains unclear. This retrieval study sought to better understand the performance of coated bearing surfaces.
Methods:
Forty-three coated MOP components were analysed post-retrieval for evidence of coating loss and gross polyethylene wear. Coating loss was graded using a visual semi-quantitative protocol. Evidence of gross polyethylene wear was determined by radiographic analysis and visual inspection of the retrieved implants.
Results:
All components with gross polyethylene wear (n = 10) were revised due to a malfunctioning acetabular component; 35 % (n = 15) of implants exhibited visible coating loss and the incidence of polyethylene wear in samples with coating loss was 54 %, significantly (p = 0.02) elevated compared to samples with intact coatings (14 %).
Conclusions:
In this study we found evidence of coating loss on metal femoral heads which was associated with increased wear of the corresponding polyethylene acetabular cups.
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