Reactions of the articular capsule to wear products of artificial joint prostheses

Abstract

Examination of biopsies taken from newly formed capsules around artifi cial joints revealed that small particles of prosthetic material such as plastic, metal and acrylic cement were produced with joint by wear and tear. It was found that these particles resulted in the formation of granulation tissue with macrophages and foreign body giant cells. Scar tissue developed producing a thickening in hte capsule which may result in decreased joint mobility. When the amounts of foreign body particles exceeds the capacity of the perivascular lymph spaces to clear them there may be loosening of the cemented prosthetic components.