Analysis of a retrieved polyethylene total disc replacement component

In this case, the anterior revision surgery was difficult and potentially life-threatening. The revision strategy of an instrumented posterior fusion to salvage a failed SB Charité disc replacement may be unpredictable and, in this case, ultimately unsuccessful. Despite the small size of the retrieved polyethylene core, ASTM standard test techniques developed for analysis of retrieved hip and knee replacements were readily adapted for the total disc prosthesis.