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Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene in Total Joint Components

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2011

Timothy M. Wright
Affiliation:
Department of Biomechanics, The Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70 Street, New York, NY 10021
Clare M. Rimnac
Affiliation:
Department of Biomechanics, The Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70 Street, New York, NY 10021
Donald L. Bartel
Affiliation:
Sibley School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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Abstract

This article reviews the problem of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene component surface degradation in total hip and total knee prostheses, including its clinical implications. Several factors affecting surface damage have been identified from a combination of the observations of in-vivo degradation made on retrieved components, experimental measurement of contact stresses on polyethylene components as a result of contact with their metallic counterpart, and analytical studies of both contact stress and the stresses beneath the polyethylene surface. Both the observations of in-vivo surface degradation and the analytical studies demonstrate that surface degradation is a more severe problem in total knee replacements than in total hip replacements. The performance of polyethylene components, as affected by design factors such as material thickness and material modification, is also considered.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1986

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References

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