A cross-linked polyethylene hip replacement appears to show greater longevity over six years than conventional polyethylene joint replacement.

Findings were presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 75th annual meeting, DGDispatch reports.

Investigator Michael J Anderson from Columbia St Mary's Hospital reported on the results of a prospective randomised trial in which 171 patients received either cross-linked or conventional plastic hips.

Results showed 110 per cent reduced wear for the cross-linked plastic product than its conventional counterpart at six years of follow-up.

Participants were evaluated using x-ray readings by clinicians blinded to the type of hip device employed in patients.

A validated computer-assisted edge-detection method as well as a rating of joint function were also used in assessments.

The two-dimensional wear rate was 0.01 mm per year for the cross-linked plastic joint and 0.17 mm per year for the conventional joint replacement in the analysis which allowed for the bedding-in of the joint replacement in the first year.

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