New polymer materials in total hip arthroplasty. Evaluation with radiostereometry, bone densitometry, radiography and clinical parameters.

Study I: EtO sterilized polyethylene increased the femoral head penetration. Age and weight were also important predictors of the penetration rate. Studies II and III: The highly cross-linked polyethylene decreased the penetration rate mainly after one year probably reflecting less wear. The different mechanical properties of the two types of PE studied did not affect the early fixation of the cemented cup. Study IV: There were no obvious advantage of addition of fluoride to acrylic bone cement when used to fixate the femoral component. Study V: Use of fluoride containing cement or uncemented fixation did not improve the early stability of the socket compared to Palacos with Gentamicin.