Improved Resistance to Neck-Liner Impingement in Second-Generation Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene-The Role of Vitamin E and Crosslinks

摘要

Background: Radiation crosslinking of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) results in the reduced tensile strength and fracture toughness as an expense of dramatic increase in the wear resistance. Clinical rim fracture has been reported due to neck-liner impingement on a first-generation highly crosslinked UHMWPE acetabular component. The objective of this study was to investigate whether a second-generation, vitamin Eeblended highly crosslinked UHMWPE possesses the improved impingement resistance.