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Abstract
BackgroundAt present time the number of implantations of joint replacements as well as their revisions increases. Higher demands are required on the quality and longevity of implants. The aim of this work was to determine the degree of oxidative degradation and the amount of free/residual radicals in selected ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components of the joint replacements and demonstrate that the measured values are closely connected with quality and lifetime of the polymer components.MethodsWe tested both new (4 samples) and explanted (4 samples) UHMWPE polymers for total joint replacements. The samples were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), electron spin resonance (ESR) and microhardness (MH) test. The IR measurements yielded the values of oxidation index and trans-vinylene index. The ESR measurements gave the free radicals concentration.ResultsIn the group of new polyethylene components, we found oxidation index values ranging from 0.00-0.03 to 0.24. The trans-vinylene index values ranged from 0.044 to 0.080. The value of free radical concentration was zero in virgin and also in sample of Beznoska Company and non-zero in the other samples. In the group of explanted components, the measured values were associated with their history, micromechanical properties and performance in vivo.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that measuring of oxidative damage may help the orthopaedic surgeon in estimating the quality of UHMWPE replacement component and thus radically to avoid early joint replacement failure due to worse polyethylene quality.
Highlights
At present time the number of implantations of joint replacements as well as their revisions increases
Application of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is associated with several problems and complications
Oxidation of UHMWPE fundamentally alters key properties, including the aforementioned resistance to wear, which affects the lifespan of the given joint component [15]
Summary
At present time the number of implantations of joint replacements as well as their revisions increases. The aim of this work was to determine the degree of oxidative degradation and the amount of free/residual radicals in selected ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components of the joint replacements and demonstrate that the measured values are closely connected with quality and lifetime of the polymer components. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is and undoubtedly will remain for a number of years the most frequently used material for the manufacture of bearing components of large joint replacements. This polymer exhibits suitable properties for given application: excellent bio-compatibility, sufficient mechanical properties (toughness, resistance to impact etc.), and abovethe-average tribological properties (low friction coefficient and high resistance to wear). Oxidation of UHMWPE fundamentally alters key properties, including the aforementioned resistance to wear, which affects the lifespan of the given joint component [15]
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