A. Burstein (Sarasota- Florida-USA)
Evaluation of Polyethylene as a Bearing Material in Total Knee Joints
High survivorship rates for total knee joint prostheses are highly dependent upon knee joint geometry and bearing material properties. The evolution and development cycles of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene over the last twenty-five years as used in total knee prostheses will be examined. Methods of manufacture and post-manufacture treatments, such as gamma irradiation and electron beam irradiation, will be examined in relation to their ability to alter the mechanical and chemical properties of polyethylene. Ideal properties with regard to abrasive wear, fracture toughness, and elastic modulus will be compared to properties achieved by currently available technologies. Clinical examples and historical data will be used to differentiate between current technologies