Isolated Polyethylene Liner Exchange in a Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Purpose: To analyze the results of isolated exchange of polyethylene (PE) liners for treatment of wear and osteolysis around a well-fixed Harris-Galante (HG) cementless acetabular cup. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three PE liner changes were performed without the removal of stably ingrown implants (33 hips of 32 patients). They were able to be followed for a mean period of 92 months. Clinically, the Harris hip score (HHS), pain evaluation, and complications were evaluated. Radiologically, the annual wear rate and the size of the osteolytic lesions were measured before the operation and the latest follow-up. The bone graft incorporation scale and the development of new osleolytic lesions were checked during the final follow-up. Results: HHS improved to 89.3 at last follow-up. The size of the osteolysis was significantly reduced postoperatively. Bone graft incorporation scales were Grade I in 9 and Grade II in 14 cases. New osteolytic lesions have not developed at latest follow-up. As a complication, one case of dissociation of a liner and a periprosthetic fracture were noted. Annual wear rates during the same period were significantly reduced. There was no sign of alteration in stability of the PE liner. Conclusion: Exchange of a PE liner without removal of stable implants can be a good option for the treatment of wear and osteolysis around a stable cementless THA implant, even if the system has a weak locking mechanism, such as the HG cup. In these cases, under certain states with a higher risk of early failure in the locking mechanism, it would be better to select other revision procedures such as cup revision or cemented polyethylene liner fixation.