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Implant Retrieval Program

Program Overview

Performing implant retrieval analyses can improve the clinical outcome of total joint replacements by reviewing past modes of failure and success. Every implant retrieved at our centre is thoroughly cleaned, processed, and stored, while the clinical history of these implants are compiled into a secure database. Joint replacement components are then analyzed using all, or a select number of techniques using our state-of-the-art technology ranging from CMM, laser scanning, and surface roughness measurements, to scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Additional Information

Where do your retrieved implants come from?

The majority of our retrievals come from Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg, a high volume centre specializing in primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty. We also receive some retrievals from Grace Hospital and the Pan Am Clinic (also in Winnipeg).

We have also received implants from across Canada and internationally for unique patient cases, often generating case reports that are published in the medical literature.

How many retrievals do you have in your database?

Our implant retrieval database is the largest in Western Canada. We currently have 4000+ retrieved joint replacements in our database. The majority of our collection consists of hip and knee joint replacements, with some shoulder and elbow implants as well. Our retrieval database is unlike many others because of direct access to the patient, surgical, and radiographic data for over 90% of our retrievals. The most common implant manufacturers in our database are:

Hip:

  • Depuy-Synthes
  • Zimmer Biomet
  • Stryker
  • Smith & Nephew

Knee:

  • Depuy-Synthes
  • Zimmer Biomet
  • Stryker
  • Smith & Nephew

What type of joint replacement bearing materials are available in your database?

Our database contains bearing couples that consist of:

  • Metal-on-polyethylene
  • Ceramic-on-ceramic (hips)
  • Ceramic-on-polyethylene (hips)
  • Metal-on-metal (hips)

Is your implant retrieval open to other facilities?

If you have explants that you would like saved for analysis, we can process and store them at OIC. Analysis of the explants can be discussed and performed at a later date – it does not need to be known ahead of time.

Have you published any of your studies?

We have published a number of retrieval analysis studies. Please see our Publications page for more information.

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