Presentation of Gamma-Irradiated-in-Air Polyethylene Wear in the Form of a Synovial Cyst

The increased wear of polyethylene sterilized with gamma irradiation in air has well been documented in the total knee arthroplasty literature. Our case report describes a patient with a well-functioning total knee replacement presenting with wear debris synovitis in the form of a large synovial cyst. We discuss this patient's preoperative evaluation, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcome after synovectomy and polyethylene exchange. We also review the current literature on appropriate polyethylene sterilization methods.