Abstract:The objective of this study was to develop an advanced-bearing couple for TKA that optimizes the balance between wear resistance and mechanical properties. The mechanical and structural properties of virgin and highly crosslinked, re-melted UHMWPE were evaluated, and tibial inserts manufactured from these UHMWPE materials were tested against either oxidized zirconium (OxZr) or CoCr femoral components on a knee simulator. This study confirmed that the wear resistance of crosslinked UHMWPE improves with increasing radiation dose but is accompanied by a concomitant reduction in mechanical properties. Compared to CoCr, the ceramic surface of OxZr allows the use of a lower irradiation dose to achieve equivalent reductions in wear rates. As a result, a given wear rate can be achieved without sacrificing the mechanical properties to the same extent that is necessary with a CoCr femoral component. The advantage of ceramic counter bearing surfaces extends to both pristine and microabrasive conditions.
More powerful studies are required to determine whether efforts to prevent baseball sliding injuries at the high school level should focus on better education in sliding technique or changes in equipment. Softball players are vulnerable to injury when wearing inadequate protective sliding apparel.
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