Are Radiographic and Direct Measures of Acetabular Polyethylene Wear Comparable?

To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare and validate 2-dimensional wear rates in polyethylene acetabular liners between direct measurements from retrieved components and a radiographic computer-assisted technique (as opposed to comparison against a phantom component). Wear rates determined by direct measurements from retrievals were consistent with computer-assisted 2-dimensional methods when comparing maximum wear measurements. In addition, a single prerevision radiograph appears to be sufficient to assess 2-dimensional in vivo wear.