title: In-vitro evaluation of a polyurethane compliant-layer glenoid for use in shoulder arthroplasty.
abstract: A polyurethane glenoid component has been designed and manufactured as part of a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) system based on compliant-layer (CL) technology. Compared with conventional TSA designs, this biomimetic approach offers reduced friction and wear and potentially improved longevity. In-vitro evaluation of the glenoid system has included loosening and stability tests, and wear measurement using a specially constructed wear simulator. The results obtained support the hypothesis that a CL glenoid design may provide improved resistance to dynamic loosening and rim erosion, and demonstrate superior wear performance over a standard ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene design. This study not only confirms the feasibility of a CL glenoid component but also highlights the potential to increase implant longevity, thereby allowing earlier surgical intervention before poor glenoid bone stock and soft tissue compromise the outcome of TSA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Geary
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Birkinshaw
mesh_terms: D055119:Elastic Modulus; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008422:Materials Testing; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes; C111601:ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene