Tissue reaction and loosening of carbon-reinforced polyethylene arthroplasties.

The use ofcarbon fibre implants in orthopaedics is widely reported, but the potential risks associated with their use are less well defined. In its pure form carbon fibre may be spun into ligament and tendon replacements. Incorporated into epoxy resin, it has been used in plates for the internal fixation of fractures. Carbon fibre has also been used to reinforce polyethylene composites for joint replacement, where it is claimed to reduce the plastic deformation of articular surfaces. The intra-articular use of pure carbon fibre has been questioned because of the synovial reaction produced by