Highly Cross-Linked Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene With Improved Fatigue Resistance for Total Joint Arthroplasty

Notch fatigue of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in total joint replacements.

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has remained the primary polymer used in hip, knee and shoulder replacements for over 50 years. Recent case studies have demonstrated that catastrophic fatigue fracture of the polymer can severely limit device lifetime and are often associated with stress concentration (notches) integrated into the design. This study evaluates the influence of no...

Tradeoffs amongst fatigue, wear, and oxidation resistance of cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

This study evaluated the tradeoffs amongst fatigue crack propagation resistance, wear resistance, and oxidative stability in a wide variety of clinically-relevant cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Highly cross-linked re-melted materials showed good oxidation and wear performance, but diminished fatigue crack propagation resistance. Highly cross-linked annealed materials sho...

Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Metal Head on a Highly Cross-linked Polyethylene Liner

PURPOSE This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical results and measure polyethylene liner wear in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with highly cross-linked polyethylene. MATERIALS AND METHODS Except for patients who had died or were unable to have follow-up at least 2 years, 60 of 78 hips that underwent THA were included this study. The mean age was 64.5 years (range, 25-81 y...

Wear Analysis of Second-generation Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

A major limiting factor in the longevity of total hip replacement is the wear rate of the hip bearing. As manufacturing technology has improved during the past several decades, much attention has been focused on developing newer generations of polyethylene that have lower rates of wear while minimizing free radical formation and subsequent osteolysis. The turning point for the manufacture of po...

Acetabular Liner for Total Hip Arthroplasty at Five Years Clinical Performance of a Durasul Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene