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Histological features of the interface membrane of failed isoelastic cementless prostheses

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Summary

The interface membranes of both components from two isoelastic cementless hip arthroplasties, which were revised for aseptic loosening, were examined histologically. The membranes consisted of densely structured fibrous tissue interspersed with giant cell granulomas, sheets of histiocytes and chronic inflammatory infiltrates. The granulomas and the histiocytes contained polymeric and metallic wear products, respectively. The morphological features of these membranes were compared with those of cemented joint replacements. Apart from the deposits of acrylic cement bordered by macrophages, there were no distinctive differences between the membranes of failed cementless and cemented arthroplasties. The release and deposition of wear products, of whatever nature, are apparently responsible for the formation of exuberant interface membranes.

Résumé

Les auteurs ont examiné histologiquement les membranes d'interface des deux composants de deux prothèses isoélastiques non cimentées, reprises pour descellement aseptique. Les membranes étaient constituées d'un tissu fibreux dense, parsemé de granulomes à cellules géantes, de nappes d'histiocytes et d'infiltrats inflammatoires chroniques. Les granulomes et les histiocytes contenaient respectivement des produits d'usure polymériques et métalliques. Les particularités morphologiques de ces membranes ont été comparées à celles des remplacements articulaires cimentés. Mis à part les dépôts de ciment acrylique entourés de macrophages, il n'y a pas de différences appréciables entre les membranes des échecs d'arthroplasties, cimentées ou non. La production et le dépôt des produits d'usure, quelle qu'en soit la nature, sont apparemment responsables de la formation d'épaisses membranes d'interface.

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Boss, J.H., Shajrawi, I., Soudry, M. et al. Histological features of the interface membrane of failed isoelastic cementless prostheses. International Orthopaedics 14, 399–403 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00182653

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