title: Highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty.
abstract: Polyethylene wear-induced osteolysis is the most significant primary factor limiting the life span of total joint arthroplasty. To reduce ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particulate wear debris, highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXPE) bearings have been introduced in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In vitro hip simulator wear studies with HXPE have demonstrated a decrease in volumetric wear at the hip by 42% to 100% when compared with conventional metal-on-polyethylene bearings. Early to intermediate clinical results suggest that the in vivo wear properties of HXPE products are superior to those of conventional UHMWPE. Second-generation HXPE materials that utilize alternate cross-linking and free radical quenching techniques have been developed and propose to further minimize wear and oxidation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA. atienzamd@gmail.com
authors.forename: Cesar
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Atienza
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Maloney
mesh_terms: D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure
chemical_list: D020959:Polyethylene