Prostaglandin E2 activity in the synovial-like membrane

The events leading to aseptic loosening of total hip prostheses occur within the synovial-like membrane that forms around the prosthetic components. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) activity in this membrane is believed to be one of the factors that cause aseptic loosening. In this study, the authors investigated the correlation between grades of loosening and levels of PGE2-like activity in the membranes surrounding the implants in 14 patients in which total hip arthroplasty revisions were performed. The membranes of patients with high degrees of loosening demonstrated high levels of PGE2-like activity (P < .01). Among the many factors contributing to loosening of total hip arthroplasties, PGE2 appears to have an important role with its bone-resorbing properties.