Periprosthetic osteolysis remains a leading complication of total hip and knee arthroplasty, often resulting in aseptic loosening of the implant and necessitating revision surgery. Wear-induced particulate debris is the main cause initiating this destructive process. The purpose of this article is to review recent advances in understanding of how wear debris causes osteolysis, and emergent strategies for the avoidance and treatment of this disease. A strong activator of the peri-implant innate immune this debris-induced inflammatory cascade is dictated by macrophage secretion of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8, and PGE2, leading to peri-implant bone resorption through activation of osteoclasts and inhibition of osteoblasts through several mechanisms, including the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. Therapeutic agents against proinflammatory mediators, such as those targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF), osteoclasts, and sclerostin, have shown promise in reducing peri-implant osteolysis in vitro and in vivo; however, radiographic changes and clinical diagnosis often lag considerably behind the initiation of osteolysis, making timely treatment difficult. Considerable efforts are underway to develop such diagnostic tools, therapies, and identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
Keywords: arthroplasty; cytokines; implant; osteolysis; wear debris.