Wear and Range of Motion of Different Femoral Head Sizes

Femoral head sizes greater than 32 mm are more prevalent with current total hip arthroplasty. We hypothesized that linear wear rates of Durasul highly cross-linked polyethylene would not differ with different head sizes. We also compared the range of motion of the hip. Ninety-four consecutive arthroplasties in 84 patients were studied for a mean 3.6 ± 0.7 years. There was no statistical difference in linear wear rates and annual or total penetration rates when 28-mm and 32-mm heads were compared to 38-mm and 44-mm heads. Volumetric wear was 12.4 mm3/y higher with bigger heads. Range of motion did not differ. Larger femoral head sizes show no evidence of an accelerated wear pattern when used with Durasul.