Polyethylene delamination in the PCA total knee. Material analysis in two failed cases.

Two patients had severe polyethylene-wear synovitis after total knee arthroplasty for arthrosis. Full-leg length weight-bearing radiographs were diagnostic. The polyethylene of the tibial components showed excessive delamination. The morphology and crystallinity of the polyethylene showed that surface treatment of the material could well be held responsible for the massive wear.