title: Mobile-bearing knee systems: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear and design issues.
abstract: In June 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Orthopaedic Advisory Panel recommended the reclassification of mobile-bearing knee systems for general use. This reflects the increasing use of mobile-bearing knee systems internationally, which is currently limited in the United States by regulatory requirement. Mobile-bearing knee systems are distinguished from conventional, fixed-plateau systems in that they allow dual-surface articulation between an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene insert and metallic femoral and tibial tray components. Their in vivo success is dependent on patient selection, design, and material choice, as well as surgical precision during implantation. Laboratory and clinical experience extending over 25 years with individual systems suggests that mobile-bearing knee systems represent a viable treatment option for patients with knee arthrosis.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Lutheran Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Health System, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: A Seth
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Greenwald
authors.forename: Christine S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Heim
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D018795:Device Approval; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes; C111601:ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene