Oxidative Stability, Reasons for Revision, and Damage Mechanisms of Remelted Highly Crosslinked Polyethylenes in TKA

摘要

Remelted highly crosslinked polyethylenes (HXLPEs) were introduced in total knee replacement (TKR) starting in 2001 to reduce wear, oxidation and particle-induced lysis. Because elevated radiation crosslinking and remelting reduces the fracture toughness of PE, the use of HXLPE in the knee has been considered controversial. Over time, HXLPE has gained acceptance as a candidate biomaterial for TKR. However, few studies have reported on the clinical performance of HXLPE knees. One decade following its introduction, knowledge regarding the in vivo damage mechanisms and oxidative stability of HXLPEs in the knee remains incomplete.