The biology of aseptic loosening

Abstract

Total joint replacement is an effective surgical intervention for those patients with end stage of joint diseases. The major factor limiting the survival of joint implants is wear debris which is primarily generated from the bearing articular surface of the artificial joint. Aseptic loosening is a disabling condition affecting patients 10-20 years after joint replacement surgery, leading to the failure of the artificial joint. It appears as a subtle progression of bone tissue destruction (osteolysis, periprosthetic bone loss). It is a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons due to the fact that signs and symptoms may not be clinically apparent until the late stages of destruction and failure. © 2014 Springer-Verlag London. All rights are reserved.