Objective To introduce the occurrence mechanisms, prevention, and treatment measures of prosthetic aseptic loosening. Methods The recent original articles about prosthetic aseptic loosening were extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results Prosthetic aseptic loosening was a very complex process involving many mechanical and biological aspects. The main mechanical factors included prosthetic materials, shapes and sizes, implant fixation methods (including surfacetreatments), cl inical installation, interface micromotion, stress shielding, implant wear, interface integrity, and peri prosthetic high hydraulic pressure, etc.; the main biological factors included the types and sizes of wear particles, cell-activated responses, cytokine release, enzyme activation and allergic reactions to wear particles, etc.. Many measures should be adopted to effectively prevent and treat it, including improving materials and designs of prostheses, fixation techniques, surgical techniques, and drug treatments. Conclusion Prosthetic aseptic loosening is still a troublesome compl ication after joint replacements in orthopaedics, and more attention should be paid for its effective prevention and treatment.
