The use of a biocompatible orthopaedic polymer in the treatment of loose total hip prostheses.

Seventeen cases of loose total hip prostheses were treated with biocompatible orthopaedic polymer, an osteoconductive co-polymer. Biocompatible orthopaedic polymer permits improved stability and secondary bone repair and may also act as a vehicle for adjunctive antibiotic therapy. The available forms of biocompatible orthopaedic polymer and their methods of application are described and the results obtained with their use are compared with the pre-operative clinical observations. Of the 17 patients studied, pain disappeared in 14, unlimited walking became possible in seven, while another eight patients were subsequently able to walk for over 300 m. Mobility became normal in 13 cases; full weight bearing on one leg became possible in 12 cases and became normal in another four. Radiological examination showed the development of a bony interface between the cortex and the prosthesis as the radiolucent biocompatible orthopaedic polymer material was converted into bone. It may, therefore, be concluded that, in this indication, biocompatible orthopaedic polymer appears to be an active interface for stabilizing loose total hip prostheses.