A 55-year-old active man is scheduled for primary total hip replacement. The surgeon opts for highly cross-linked polyethylene. Compared with conventional gamma-inert sterilised polyethylene, what is the most significant proven advantage of highly cross-linked polyethylene?

• A Complete elimination of osteolysis
• B Improved tensile strength of the liner
• C Greater resistance to third-body wear
• D Substantially lower linear wear rate ✓

Explanation

Highly cross-linked polyethylene reduces the linear wear rate by roughly 80 to 90 per cent compared with conventional polyethylene, which directly reduces particle-induced osteolysis. Osteolysis is not completely eliminated. Tensile strength is actually slightly reduced, not improved.

Reference: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.