HA particles can be released from well-fixed HA-coated stems - Histopathology of biopsies from 20 hips 2-8 years after implantation

20 hip arthroplasties with a Landos Corail Ti6Al4V stem entirely plasma-sprayed with a 155 +/- 35 mum thick HA coating were reoperated on after median 6 (2-8) years because of polyethylene wear (10), acetabular loosening (7), instability (2), or infection (1). We took biopsies from the proximal femurs adjacent to the well-fixed stems. Undecalcified sections were prepared and examined with a light microscope.