Highly crosslinked UHMWPEs have demonstrated consistent favorable reductions in wear. A small number of acetabular liner fractures have occurred, which has prompted the development of improved cup designs and modifications in crosslinking methods. Second-and third-generation highly crosslinked UHMWPEs that maintain better mechanical properties than melt-annealed materials have been developed. These are annealed below the melting temperature of UHMWPE and treated with a secondary free radical scavenger or manufacturing process to reduce the risk of oxidation. However, long-term clinical and in vivo retrieval studies are needed to determine the durability of these newer materials and implant designs.
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