Superior rim fracture of a vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liner leading to total hip arthroplasty revision

Abstract

This case report looks at the failure of a vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liner that fractured at the superior rim of the locking mechanism. This calls to question whether there is a problem with the vitamin E-infused product or a flaw in the design of the liner or possibly a combination of the 2. Although there has been discussion of a possible minimum rim polyethylene thickness, there has not been a minimum thickness established. In addition, in the case of offset liners, indentations which are a part of a locking mechanism can cause the minimum rim dimension to be much less than the specified nominal thickness. This case serves as an interesting observation and contributes to the discussion of rim liner polyethylene thickness and minimum rim thickness. Keywords: Polyethylene, Liner, Rim thickness, Rim fracture, Vitamin E infused, Locking mechanism