The natural history of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

摘要: Degradative changes occurring during the lifetime of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene total joint components made from 2 different starting resins were determined retrieved tibial inserts. The inserts manufactured in Department Biomechanics authors' institution, for intrahospital use by hospital's surgical staff, allowing properties to be traced production, sterilization, shelf life, and subsequent retrieval. Changes found density infrared spectra. Density was greater after sterilization at retrieval, when compared with virgin material, a increase near surfaces than within bulk that had longest life-times demonstrated greatest density. increases are important because they reflect elastic modulus polyethylene. Such articulating surface component would cause significant stresses associated wear damage on these surfaces. spectra consistent oxidative degradation.