Polyethylene debris-induced osteolysis and loosening in uncemented total hip arthroplasty. A cause of late failure.

Uncemented total hip arthroplasty has proven to be an acceptable alternative to cemented total hip arthroplasty with good short-term results. With the elimination of the use of polymethyl methacrylate for component fixation, failure at the bone-cement interface, with resultant osteolysis and progressive loosening, was thought to be preventable. Unfortunately the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene acetabular insert can wear and produce particulate debris. This debris can stimulate an osteolytic reaction and lead to late aseptic loosening in a cementless total hip arthroplasty.