Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To compare the wearing performance of different artificial hip joint materials to propose measures for preventing prosthesis loosening.
METHODS: A computer-based online search was performed for related articles published between January 1993 and October 2009 with key words “prosthesis loosening, hip, wear debris, hip prosthesis” in Chinese and English. Articles related to artificial hip prosthesis wearing and the influential factors were included. Repetitive studies or Meta analysis were excluded. A total of 28 articles regarding artificial hip prosthesis wearing and the influential factors were included.
RESULTS: Operation methods, prosthesis installation, joint weight loading-induced micromovement between prosthesis and host bone are contributed to hip prosthesis loosening. The biological factor-wear debris may regulate late process of hip prosthesis loosening. Therefore, studies of mechanical and the biological factors may reveal cause of hip prosthesis loosening.
CONCLUSION: Joint prosthesis wearing-induced wear debris is a key factor in the late process of hip prosthesis loosening. Improvement of host bone quality and prosthesis design and materials can better prevent and treat hip prosthesis loosening.