title: The bearing surface in total hip arthroplasty: evolution or revolution.
abstract: Highly cross-linked polyethylenes represent a new class of polyethylenes that demonstrate dramatic improvements of wear characteristics in laboratory tests. Cross-linked polyethylenes can be manufactured by a number of methods, all of which lead to some changes in the physical properties of the polyethylene. The very limited clinical information about cross-linked polyethylenes available has been favorable. Cross-linked polyethylenes appear to hold promise as an alternative to conventional polyethylene and to hard-on-hard bearing surfaces, but much more clinical information will be required before they can be recommended for routine clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Rothman Institute at Jefferson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Sharkey
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Hozack
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Dorr
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Maloney
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berry
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes