"18F-FDG PET-CT shows areas of intense FDG uptake of the inflammatory response caused by polythene debris particles. It also helps to differentiate this from periprothetic joint infection 17."
"The theory is that synovitis and aggressive granulomatous reaction occurs in response to small particles of prosthetic components (e.g. metal, cement, or polythene) breaking off from implant wear and tear, leading to osteolysis, prosthesis loosening, and failure 12. This concept is based on histology correlation with particulate matter presence, size, and quantity in cases of prosthesis failure. However, it has been challenged, as prosthetic particulate matter is not always found within granulomas, and study of the timeline of osteolysis indicates this occurs at a time when little particulate matter has accumulated 14. Prosthesis loosening may therefore cause or accelerate particle generation rather than be secondary to it 14."
"There may be evidence of progressive lytic focal regions around the replacement ref. There is usually smooth endosteal scalloping 7, and no sclerotic reaction ref."
"Focal osteolysis thought to be related to cement was first recognised by Sir John Charnley, British orthopaedic surgeon, in the 1960s 8, although the term "particle disease" was first used by William H Harris, American orthopaedic surgeon, in 1994 15,16."