Cross-linked Polyethylene Wear Research Articles

Wear of Third-Generation Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Analysis

BackgroundSequential modifications to the manufacturing process of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) have improved the wear resistance and implant survival of these liners in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, no study has examined the long-term (mean 10 year) wear rates and clinical outcomes of third-generation HXLPE in THA. The aim of our study was to report the longest-to-date analysis of wear rates and clinical outcomes of a third-generation HXLPE liner. MethodsA series of 133 THAs using a specific HXLPE acetabular liner were retrospectively evaluated. Linear and volumetric wear rates were determined using a validated radiographic technique and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for accelerated wear. ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 10.4 years (range, 8 to 13.4), the mean linear wear rate was 0.0172 mm/year and the mean volumetric wear rate was 16.99 mm3/year. There were no instances of osteolysis or mechanical failures at any time point and there was a 100% acetabular component survival rate. Younger age and use of offset liners were independent risk factors for increased wear (P < .01 for both). ConclusionsOur series of a third-generation HXLPE demonstrated very low wear rates and excellent implant survival at a mean of 10.4 years following primary THA. Future comparative studies at the 15- and 20-year follow-up timepoints are necessary to determine if such findings translate to true improvements in the tribological properties and longevity of these liners when compared to previous generations of HXLPE liners.

Does the use of the largest possible metal head increase the wear of vitamin E-doped cross-linked polyethylene? Two-year results from a randomized controlled trial.

We aimed to investigate if the use of the largest possible cobalt-chromium head articulating with polyethylene acetabular inserts would increase the in vivo wear rate in total hip arthroplasty. In a single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 96 patients (43 females), at a median age of 63 years (interquartile range (IQR) 57 to 69), were allocated to receive either the largest possible modular femoral head (36 mm to 44 mm) in the thinnest possible insert or a standard 32 mm head. All patients received a vitamin E-doped cross-linked polyethylene insert and a cobalt-chromium head. The primary outcome was proximal head penetration measured with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) at two years. Secondary outcomes were volumetric wear, periacetabular radiolucencies, and patient-reported outcomes. At two years, 44 patients in each group were available for RSA assessment. The median total two-year proximal head penetration was -0.02 mm (IQR -0.09 to 0.07; p = 0.548) for the largest possible head and -0.01 mm (IQR -0.07 to 0.10; p = 0.525) for 32 mm heads. Their difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.323). Neither group demonstrated a bedding-in period. The median steady-state volumetric wear rates were 6.1 mm3/year (IQR -59 to 57) and 3.5 mm3/year (-21 to 34) respectively, and did not differ between the groups (p = 0.848). There were no statistically significant differences in periacetabular radiolucencies or patient-reported outcomes. The use of the largest possible metal head did not increase vitamin E-doped cross-linked polyethylene wear compared with 32 mm heads at two years. Linear wear was negligible and volumetric wear rates were very low in both head size groups. There was a tendency towards higher values of volumetric wear in large heads that warrants longer-term evaluation before any definite conclusions about the association between head size and wear can be drawn. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2021;103-B(7):1206-1214.

Comparative Biomechanical Study of Crosslinked Polyethylene Wear with 36-mm Ceramic Femoral Heads and with 32-mm Metal Femoral Heads.

Objective This study aims to compare the in vitro wear rate of crosslinked, high molecular weight polyethylene coupled to 36-mm diameter ceramic heads and 32-mm diameter metal heads. Methods Ceramic-on-polyethylene (36 mm) and metal-on-polyethylene (32 mm) tribological pairs were submitted to biomechanical tests in a simulator to determine the wear rate after 15 × 10 6 cycles. Results A statistically significant difference ( p = 0.0005) was detected when comparing the wear rate of assemblies with metallic heads (average wear: 14.12 mg/MC) and ceramic heads (average wear: 7.46 mg/MC). Conclusion The present study demonstrated the lower wear rate in prosthetic assemblies using 36-mm crosslinked ceramic-on-polyethylene tribological pairs compared to 32-mm crosslinked metal-on-polyethylene assemblies. This finding demonstrates the effectiveness of ceramic-on-polyethylene tribological pairs, even with large diameter heads.

A Systematic Review of Unsystematic Total Ankle Replacement Wear Evaluations.

Numerous studies have reported the use of laboratory multistation joint simulators to successfully predict wear performance and functionality of hip and knee replacements. In contrast, few studies in the peer-reviewed literature have used joint simulation to quantify the wear performance and functionality of ankle replacements. We performed a systematic review of the literature on joint simulator studies that quantified polyethylene wear in total ankle arthroplasty. In addition to the quantified wear results, the load and motion parameters were identified and compared among the studies. A search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to identify articles reporting total ankle replacement polyethylene wear using joint simulators. Nine studies that used joint simulators and 1 study that used a computer simulation were found. Although all studies used physiological multidirectional motions (i.e., internal/external rotation, plantar flexion/dorsiflexion, anterior/posterior translation), there was large variability among the studies in the magnitudes of these motions. Among these studies, mean non-cross-linked polyethylene wear ranged from 3.3 ± 0.4 to 25.8 ± 3.1 mm per million cycles. In contrast, mean highly cross-linked polyethylene wear ranged from 2.1 ± 0.3 to 3.3 ± 0.4 mm per million cycles. The wide distribution in wear rates was attributable to the highly inconsistent kinematic parameters and loads applied as well as differences in implant design and materials. There is a severe lack of clinically applicable data on wear performance of total ankle replacements in the peer-reviewed literature. No universal set of kinematic load parameters has been established. Furthermore, only 2 of the published studies have validated their findings using independently derived data, such as retrieval analysis. These shortcomings make it difficult to compare findings as a function of design parameters and materials, or to draw clinically relevant conclusions from these simulations. More work is required to enhance the predictive capability of in vitro simulations of total ankle replacements. The results of joint wear simulator studies may not accurately represent in vivo wear of total ankle replacements. Joint simulator studies should establish that they are accurately replicating in vivo wear, thus enabling use of their predictive capabilities for new materials and designs.

The influence of contact stress on the wear of cross-linked polyethylene.

Generation of wear debris and wear particle-induced osteolysis are the main limitations of metal-on-polyethylene artificial joints. Cross-linked polyethylene has been recently used, particularly in hip replacements, as an alternative material to conventional ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene due to its superior wear resistance. This study focused on the wear behaviour of cross-linked polyethylene under different contact stresses in order to make interpretations of its long-term in-vivo performance. A 50-station SuperCTPOD (pin-on-disc) machine was used to investigate the influence of contact stress on the wear of cross-linked polyethylene pins which were articulated against cobalt chromium discs. It was found that the wear rate of cross-linked polyethylene was lower at higher contact stresses.

Highly crosslinked polyethylene wear rates and acetabular component orientation: a minimum ten-year follow-up.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the rate of wear between acetabular components positioned within and outside the 'safe zones' of anteversion and inclination angle. We reviewed 100 hips in 94 patients who had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) at least ten years previously. Patients all had the same type of acetabular component with a bearing couple which consisted of a 28 mm cobalt-chromium head on a highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) liner. A supine radiostereometric analysis (RSA) examination was carried out which acquired anteroposterior (AP) and lateral paired images. Acetabular component anteversion and inclination angles were measured as well as total femoral head penetration, which was divided by the length of implantation to determine the rate of polyethylene wear. The mean anteversion angle was 19.4° (-15.2° to 48°, sd 11.4°), the mean inclination angle 43.4° (27.3° to 60.5°, sd 6.6°), and the mean wear rate 0.055 mm/year (sd 0.060). Exactly half of the hips were positioned inside the 'safe zone'. There was no difference (median difference, 0.012 mm/year; p = 0.091) in the rate of wear between acetabular components located within or outside the 'safe zone'. When compared to acetabular components located inside the 'safe zone', the wear rate was no different for acetabular components that only achieved the target anteversion angle (median difference, 0.012 mm/year; p = 0.138), target inclination angle (median difference, 0.013 mm/year; p = 0.354), or neither target (median difference, 0.012 mm/year; p = 0.322). Placing the acetabular component within or outside the 'safe zone' did not alter the wear rate of HXLPE at long-term follow-up to a level that risked osteolysis. HXLPE appears to be a forgiving bearing material in terms of articular surface wear, but care must still be taken to position the acetabular component correctly so that the implant is stable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:891-7.

Femoral-Acetabular Mating: The Effect of Femoral and Combined Anteversion on Cross-Linked Polyethylene Wear

BackgroundCross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) has generally low rates of wear and osteolysis at 10 years, but component position may become important with longer follow-up. At 5-13 years, neither acetabular component lateral opening angle nor version were significantly correlated to wear. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of femoral anteversion and combined anteversion on XLPE wear. MethodsForty-two well-functioning primary total hip arthroplasties in 36 patients, performed by a single surgeon via a posterior approach, were followed for a minimum of 5 years (mean, 7.1 years; range, 5.0-10.3). All hips had a modular, XLPE liner with a ≥36-mm bearing. Femoral anteversion was measured on the modified Budin view. Wear was measured on radiographs using a validated, computer-assisted, edge-detection-based algorithm. The mean lateral opening angle was 40.4° (range, 22.6°-50.3°). The mean acetabular version was 19.1° (range, 11.3°-27.5°). Neither of these variables was significantly correlated to wear. Effects of femoral anteversion and combined anteversion on XLPE wear were assessed using linear and polynomial regression analysis. ResultsFemoral anteversion (mean, 18.4°; range, 6.8°-30.7°) was significantly correlated to linear wear (mean, 0.06 mm/y; range, 0-0.16), showing an inverse parabolic relationship with the least wear occurring at 18.2° (P = .02). Combined anteversion (mean, 37.2°; range, 21.8°-54.3°) showed a similar significant relationship with the least wear at 38.1° (P < .001). Based on regression, combined anteversion between 24.6° and 50.4° resulted in linear wear rates less than 0.1 mm/y. ConclusionTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify femoral anteversion as an independent factor influencing XLPE wear, with least wear occurring around 18°. At 5-10 years, average linear wear of XLPE is below 0.1 mm/y over a 25°-50° range of combined anteversion, with the least wear around 38°. Femoral-acetabular mating is a product of both components. Femoral component version and combined anteversion had a greater effect on wear than acetabular component lateral opening angle. Additional studies are warranted, but these results indicate that the sensitivity of wear studies is increased with version assessments.

Polyethylene Wear Associated With 26- and 32-mm Heads in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Multicenter, Prospective Study

BackgroundAlthough there were many clinical studies of highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) wear among different femoral head diameters, few referred to thickness of XLPE in case larger femoral heads were used because smaller sockets were frequently used for Asian population. MethodsThis prospective study included 240 hips that underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using XLPE combined with 26-mm (group S) or 32-mm (group L) cobalt–chromium head with maximum follow-up of 10 years. We measured 3-dimensional (3-D) linear penetration rate of XLPE among same implant design groups except head diameter and estimated the validity of thinner XLPE. ResultsOur study demonstrated comparable 3-D linear penetration rates, which were 0.06 ± 0.07 mm/y for group S and 0.03 ± 0.02 mm/y for group L at 10 years after surgery and penetration rates seemed to be almost constant with no significant difference after 3 years. Minimum liner thickness (5.3 mm for 48-mm socket in combination with 32-mm femoral head) and the second thinnest XLPE (6.3 mm in case of socket from 50 mm to 54 mm combined with 32-mm femoral head) was distributed in 25% and 72% with group L, respectively, and there were no significant differences in penetration rates between 5.3-mm– and 6.3-mm–thickness groups. ConclusionOur study suggested that whether to select 26- or 32-mm diameters of femoral head does not affect XLPE wear in combination with this type of articulation.

The influence of kinematics on the wear of cross-linked polyethylene in the knee

The influence of kinematics on the wear of cross-linked polyethylene in the knee

Five-Year Experience of Vitamin E–Diffused Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Wear in Total Hip Arthroplasty Assessed by Radiostereometric Analysis

BackgroundVitamin E–diffused highly cross-linked polyethylene (VEPE) was developed to reduce oxidation without compromising mechanical strength. The purpose of this study was to evaluate VEPE in vivo using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). MethodsFifty-one hips were enrolled. Each patient received a VEPE liner, a porous titanium shell, and an uncemented stem with a 32-mm cobalt–chrome femoral head. Tantalum beads were inserted into the VEPE to measure femoral head penetration using RSA. RSA radiographs and PROMs were obtained preoperatively immediately after surgery, 6 months, 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after surgery. ResultsForty-seven hips returned at 3 years, and 42 hip at 5 years. The mean ± standard error of the mean proximal head penetration into the polyethylene was 0.06 ± 0.01 at 5 years. The amount of head penetration did not change significantly with increasing time in vivo. The mean ± standard error of the mean Harris Hip Score was 58 ± 2 preoperatively, which improved significantly to 93 ± 2 at 5 years (P < .001). ConclusionThe head penetration into VEPE liners was low compared with non-VEPE at 5 years. After settling of the liners in the early period, no significant head penetration occurred from 2- to 5-year follow-up. All PROMs improved significantly from preoperative to postoperative and remained very favorable at 5 years. This study documents the longest-term evaluation of in vivo wear performance of VEPE.

In-vitro and in-silico investigations on the influence of contact pressure on cross-linked polyethylene wear in total knee replacements

Various conflicting trends have previously been reported for the influence of contact pressure on the polyethylene and crosslinked polyethylene wear of total knee replacements. In the present study, the influence of contact pressure on crosslinked polyethylene wear in total knee replacements was investigated using in-vitro knee simulator wear tests and in-silico computational wear simulations. Knee simulator wear tests were conducted under standardized and increased loading. The knee simulator wear test results were predicted using computational wear models with various contact pressure – wear trends to evaluate the accuracy of each approach. The knee simulator wear tests revealed the increase in loading (1.7 fold) to greatly increase crosslinked polyethylene wear (4.49 fold). The computational wear simulations revealed the wear model with the trend of linearly increasing wear with increasing contact pressure to result in improved agreement with the knee simulator results over the non-linear and contact pressure independent models. However, all of the computational wear simulations under-predicted the increase in wear caused by the increase in load. The results suggest that crosslinked polyethylene wear in total knee replacements may increase with increasing contact pressure and that the trends of pin-on-disk tests may not be directly applicable to total knee replacements with regard to contact pressure.

In vivo wear performance of highly cross-linked polyethylene vs. yttria stabilized zirconia and alumina stabilized zirconia at a mean seven-year follow-up

BackgroundZirconia was introduced as an alternative to alumina for use in the femoral head. The yttria stabilized zirconia material was improved by adding alumina. We evaluated highly cross-linked polyethylene wear performance of zirconia in total hip arthroplasty. The hypothesis was that alumina stabilized zirconia could decrease highly cross-linked polyethylene wear.MethodsHighly cross-linked polyethylene wear was measured with a computerized method (PolyWare) in 91 hips. The steady-state wear rates were measured based on the radiographs from the first year postoperatively to the final follow-up and were compared between hips with yttria stabilized zirconia and alumina stabilized zirconia.ResultsThe steady-state wear rate of highly cross-linked polyethylene against zirconia was 0.02 mm/year at a mean follow-up of 7 years. No significant difference was observed between groups with yttria stabilized zirconia and alumina stabilized zirconia.ConclusionsAddition of alumina to the zirconia material failed to show further reduction of highly cross-linked polyethylene wear and our hypothesis was not verified.

Characteristics of highly cross-linked polyethylene wear debris in vivo.

Despite the widespread implementation of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners to reduce the clinical incidence of osteolysis, it is not known if the improved wear resistance will outweigh the inflammatory potential of HXLPE wear debris generated in vivo. Thus, we asked: What are the differences in size, shape, number, and biological activity of polyethylene wear particles obtained from primary total hip arthroplasty revision surgery of conventional polyethylene (CPE) versus remelted or annealed HXLPE liners? Pseudocapsular tissue samples were collected from revision surgery of CPE and HXLPE (annealed and remelted) liners, and digested using nitric acid. The isolated polyethylene wear particles were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Tissues from both HXLPE cohorts contained an increased percentage of submicron particles compared to the CPE cohort. However, the total number of particles was lower for both HXLPE cohorts, as a result there was no significant difference in the volume fraction distribution and specific biological activity (SBA; the relative biological activity per unit volume) between cohorts. In contrast, based on the decreased size and number of HXLPE wear debris there was a significant decrease in total particle volume (mm(3)/g of tissue). Accordingly, when the SBA was normalized by total particle volume (mm(3)/gm tissue) or by component wear volume rate (mm(3)/year), functional biological activity of the HXLPE wear debris was significantly decreased compared to the CPE cohort. Indications for this study are that the osteolytic potential of wear debris generated by HXLPE liners in vivo is significantly reduced by improvements in polyethylene wear resistance.

Tradeoffs amongst fatigue, wear, and oxidation resistance of cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

This study evaluated the tradeoffs amongst fatigue crack propagation resistance, wear resistance, and oxidative stability in a wide variety of clinically-relevant cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Highly cross-linked re-melted materials showed good oxidation and wear performance, but diminished fatigue crack propagation resistance. Highly cross-linked annealed materials showed good wear and fatigue performance, but poor oxidation resistance. Moderately cross-linked re-melted materials showed good oxidation resistance, but moderate wear and fatigue resistance. Increasing radiation dose increased wear resistance but decreased fatigue crack propagation resistance. Annealing reduced fatigue resistance less than re-melting, but left materials susceptible to oxidation. This appears to occur because annealing below the melting temperature after cross-linking increased the volume fraction and size of lamellae, but failed to neutralize all free radicals. Alternately, re-melting after cross-linking appeared to eliminate free radicals, but, restricted by the network of cross-links, the re-formed lamellae were fewer and smaller in size which resulted in poor fatigue crack propagation resistance. This is the first study to simultaneously evaluate fatigue crack propagation, wear, oxidation, and microstructure in a wide variety of clinically-relevant ultra-high. The tradeoff we have shown in fatigue, wear, and oxidation performance is critical to the material’s long-term success in total joint replacements.

Second-generation Highly Cross-linked X3™ Polyethylene Wear: A Preliminary Radiostereometric Analysis Study

First-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene liners have reduced the incidence of wear particle-induced osteolysis. However, failed acetabular liners have shown evidence of surface cracking, mechanical failure, and oxidative damage. This has led to the development of second-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene, which has improved wear and mechanical properties and resistance to oxidation in vitro. Owing to its recent introduction, there are no publications describing its clinical performance. We assessed early clinical wear of a second-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene liner and compared its clinical performance with the published results of hip simulator tests and with first-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene annealed liners. Twenty-one patients were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Clinical outcome and femoral head penetration were measured for 19 patients at 6 months and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. The median proximal head penetration was 0.009 mm and 0.024 mm at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The median two-dimensional (2-D) head penetration was 0.083 mm and 0.060 mm at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The median proximal wear rate between 1 and 2 years was 0.015 mm/year. The wear rate calculated was similar to the in vitro wear rate reported for this material; however, it was less than the detection threshold for this technique. Although longer followup is required for wear to reach a clinically quantifiable level, this low level of wear is encouraging for the future clinical performance of this material. Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Differences in Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Wear Between Zirconia and Cobalt-Chromium Femoral Heads in Japanese Patients: A prospective, randomized study

The purpose of this study was to compare highly cross-linked polyethylene wear between the zirconia head and the cobalt-chromium head in Japanese patients. A prospective, randomized study was performed to evaluate the outcomes in 32 hips that had zirconia heads and in 30 hips that had cobalt-chromium heads. The mean follow-up periods of both groups were same (5 years). There were no significant differences between the zirconia head and the cobalt-chromium head in the mean polyethylene linear wear per year and the mean volumetric polyethylene wear per year in the steady phase. This study indicates that zirconia head offers no benefits over metal head in terms of wear reduction at 5 years in Japanese patients who have lightweight and thin polyethylene liners.

Does Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Wear Less Than Conventional Polyethylene in Total Hip Arthroplasty?: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Controlled Trial Using Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis

A prospective double-blind, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted using roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis; 54 total hip arthroplasty patients were randomized to receive either highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) or standard ultra–high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) liners. The 3-dimensional penetration of the liner was determined over 2 years. For the first 3 months, both polyethylene types had a rapid penetration rate (HXLPE: 0.22 mm, SD = 0.17 mm; UHMWPE: 0.21 mm, SD = 0.15 mm; P = .78). After 3 months, the HXLPE penetration rate (0.06 mm/y, SD = 0.06 mm/y) was significantly lower than the UHMWPE penetration rate (0.10 mm/y, SD = 0.07 mm/y; P = .04). The penetration in the first 3 months was probably caused by creep or bedding in; from 3 months onward, much of the penetration was probably caused by wear. We conclude that HXLPE has a 40% lower wear rate as compared with UHMWPE, suggesting that it will perform better in the long term.

Wear, Debris, and Biologic Activity of Cross-linked Polyethylene in the Knee

Cross-linked polyethylene currently is being introduced in knee prostheses. The wear rates, wear debris, and biologic reactivity of non cross-linked, moderately cross-linked, and highly cross-linked polyethylene have been compared in multidirectional wear tests and knee simulators. Multidirectional pin-on-plate wear studies of noncross-linked, moderately cross-linked (5 Mrad), and highly cross-linked (10 Mrad) polyethylene showed a 75% reduction in wear with the highly cross-linked material under kinematics found in the hip, but only a 33% reduction under wear in kinematics representative of the knee. In knee simulator studies, with the fixed-bearing press-fit, condylar Sigma cruciate-retaining knee under high kinematic input conditions, the wear of 5 Mrad moderately cross-linked polyethylene was 13 +/- 4 mm per 1 million cycles, which was lower (p < 0.05) than the wear of clinically used, gamma vacuum foil GUR 1020 polyethylene (23 +/- 6 mm/1 million cycles). For the low-contact stress mobile-bearing knee, the wear of moderately cross-linked polyethylene was 2 +/- 1 mm per 1 million cycles, which was lower (p < 0.05) than GVF GUR 1020 polyethylene (5 +/- 2 mm/1 million cycles). The wear debris isolated from the fixed-bearing knees showed the moderately cross-linked material had a larger percentage volume of particles smaller than 1 mum in size, compared with GVF GUR 1020 polyethylene. Direct cell culture studies of wear debris generated in sterile wear simulators using multidirectional motion showed a increase (p < 0.05) in tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels and reactivity for GUR 1050 cross-linked polyethylene debris compared with an equivalent volume of noncross-linked GUR 1050 polyethylene. The use of cross-linked polyethylene in the knee reduces the volumetric wear rate. However, the clinical significance of reduced fracture toughness, elevated wear in abrasive conditions, and the elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha release from smaller more reactive particles warrant further investigation.

In vivo comparison of traditional vs. highly crosslinked polyethylene wear

In vivo comparison of traditional vs. highly crosslinked polyethylene wear

A comparison of the wear and physical properties of silane cross-linked polyethylene and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Cross-linked polyethylenes are being introduced widely in acetabular cups in hip prostheses as a strategy to reduce the incidence of wear debris–induced osteolysis. It will be many years before substantial clinical data can be collected on the wear of these new materials. Silane cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) was introduced into clinical practice in a limited series of acetabular cups in 1986 articulating against 22.225-mm alumina ceramic femoral heads and showed reduced wear rates compared with conventionally sterilized (gamma irradiation in air) ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). We compared the wear of XLPE manufactured in 1986 with the wear of UHMWPE manufactured in 1986 in nonirradiated and irradiated forms. In the nonirradiated forms, the wear of XLPE was 3 times less than UHWMPE when articulating against smooth counterfaces. The nonirradiated materials did not show signs of oxidation. In the irradiated forms, only UHMWPE showed high levels of oxidation, and this caused a substantial increase in wear. Antioxidants added to XLPE during processing gave resistance to oxidative degradation. When sliding against scratched counterfaces, the wear of UHMWPE increased by a factor of 2 to 3 times. Against the same scratched counterfaces, the wear of XLPE increased dramatically by 30 to 200 times. This difference may be attributed to the reduction in toughness of XLPE. Clinically, XLPE has been articulated against damage-resistant ceramic heads, and this probably has been an important factor in contributing to reduced wear. New cross-linked polyethylenes differ considerably from XLPE. This study indicates that it is prudent to examine the wear of new polyethylenes under a range of conditions that may occur in vivo.