The ultrastructure of the tissue surrounding the Christiansen total hip

Tissue samples obtained from 24 consecutive Christiansen total hip revision operations were examined with transmission electron microscopy. An abundance of wear particles of plastic, originating from the polyoxymethylene socket, were found in the periprosthetic tissue, where they induced fibrinoid necrosis and macrophage activation. Phagocytosing cells revealed degenerative signs of varying degrees. It seems probable that this strong tissue reaction results in excessive bone resorption and is associated with the disastrous rate of socket loosening recorded with the Christiansen prosthesis.