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Polyethylene wear in retrieved reverse total shoulder components
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Polyethylene wear in retrieved reverse total shoulder components

Judd S. Day, Daniel W. MacDonald, Madeline Olsen, Charles Getz, Gerald R. Williams and Steven M. Kurtz
Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, v 21(5), pp 667-674
May 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2011.03.012
PMID: 21724419
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc3189419View
Accepted (AM)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open

Abstract

impingement retrieval Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty scapular notching UHMWPE wear
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has been used to treat rotator cuff tear arthropathy and proximal humerus fractures, as well as for failed conventional total shoulder prostheses. It has been suggested that polyethylene wear is potentially higher in reverse shoulder replacements than in conventional shoulder replacements. The modes and degree of polyethylene wear have not been completely elucidated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate polyethylene wear patterns in 7 specimens retrieved at revision arthroplasty and identify factors that may be associated with increased wear. Reverse total shoulder components were retrieved from 7 patients during revision arthroplasty for loosening and/or pain. Preoperative glenoid tilt and placement and scapular notching were evaluated by use of preoperative radiographs. Polyethylene wear was evaluated via micro–computed tomography and optical microscopy. Wear on the rim of the polyethylene humeral cup was identified on all retrieved components. The extent of rim wear varied from a penetration depth of 0.1 to 4.7 mm. We could not show a correlation between scapular notching and rim wear. However, rim wear was more extensive when the inferior screw had made contact with the liner. Metal-on-metal wear between the humeral component and the inferior screw of 1 component was also observed. Wear of the intended bearing surface was minimal. Rim damage was the predominant cause of polyethylene wear in our retrieved specimens. Direct contact between the humeral component and inferior metaglene screws is concerning because this could lead to accelerated ultra-highmolecular weight polyethylene wear and also induce mechanical loosening of the glenoid component.

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Collaboration types
Industry collaboration
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Web of Science research areas
Orthopedics
Sport Sciences
Surgery
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