Does vitamin E highly-crosslinked polyethylene convey an advantage in primary total hip replacement? A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#arthroplasty-replacement-hip #femur-head #hip-prosthesis #humans #polyethylene

Does vitamin E highly-crosslinked polyethylene convey an advantage in primary total hip replacement? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Wyatt et al., 2020 | Hip Int | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wyatt Michael C, Roberton Andrew, ... Whitehouse Michael R. Does vitamin E highly-crosslinked polyethylene convey an advantage in primary total hip replacement? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hip Int. 2020-Sep;30(5):598-608. doi:10.1177/1120700019858335

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin E highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) was developed to reduce wear in total hip replacement (THR). This formal systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide independent synthesis of wear characteristics of Vitamin E treated HXLPE compared to HXPLE/UHMWPE. Secondary outcome measures were differences in revision rates and functional scores. METHODS: We performed a formal systematic review as per PRISMA guidelines; literature searches were conducted on 14 November 2017 (MEDLINE, Embase on Ovid, and the Cochrane Library). We included randomised controlled trials, analyses of joint registries, and case-controlled studies of primary THR comparing cups with a vitamin E HXLPE bearing with bearing surfaces made from other types of polyethylene. Initial screening was performed by 2 independent assessors; disagreement resolved in discussion with a third reviewer. Studies were evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data extraction permitted meta-analysis. RESULTS: 372 studies were identified on initial screening, 5 studies met the eligibility criteria. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies. There was variable risk of bias. At a mean of 35 (range 20-60) months, Vitamin E HXLPE had significant advantages over highly cross-linked polyethylene with regards total femoral head penetration (p = 0.004). Given the RSA measurement errors this may not be clinically significant.There were neither significant differences in revision rates nor Harris Hip Scores (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: At a minimum of 3 years follow-up there was reduced total femoral head penetration for vitamin E HXLPE over HXLPE. This bearing surface does not, as yet, have clinically significant advantages in terms of revision rates or patient function over HXLPE.

Key Findings

372 studies were identified on initial screening, 5 studies met the eligibility criteria. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies. There was variable risk of bias. At a mean of 35 (range 20-60) months, Vitamin E HXLPE had significant advantages over highly cross-linked polyethylene with regards total femoral head penetration (p = 0.004). Given the RSA measurement errors this may not be clinically significant.There were neither significant differences in revision rates nor Harris H

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 372
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
  • Femur Head
  • Hip Prosthesis
  • Humans
  • Polyethylene
  • Polyethylenes
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Vitamin E

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09