New Option for Restoring Hip Mobility

A new hip-bearing system recreates the natural ball and socket joint of the hip to help increase joint stability, range of motion, and longevity.

The Ultamet XL metal-on-metal modular bearing is used with the Pinnacle acetabular cup system, providing surgeons with the option of choosing a polyethylene or metal insert for use with the same outer titanium cup that replaces the socket of the natural hip. The bearings, available in both 28 and 36 mm articulation, are manufactured with a taper that allows the use of a 36 mm head and shells of 52 mm and larger. The new bearings offer greater range of motion and stability, with up to 159° range of motion and 20 mm of jump distance; 99.9% survivorship at five years; and significant wear reduction.

By maximizing the size of the femoral head relative to the outer diameter of the acetabular shell, the Ultamet XL bearings allow for enhanced stability while preserving acetabular bone. Both the Ultamet XL and the Pinnacle acetabular cup system are products of DePuy Orthopaedics (Warsaw, IN, USA), a Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, NJ, USA) company.

"The Pinnacle cup exhibited 99.9% survivorship at five years,” said William P. Barrett, M.D., from Valley Orthopaedic Associates/Proliance Surgeons (Renton, WA, USA). "And, significantly, differences between patients, surgeons, femoral stems, head size, and articulation types did not affect survival.”


Related Links:
DePuy Orthopaedics
Johnson & Johnson