Effects of reinforcements and gamma‐irradiation on wear performance of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene as acetabular cup liner in hip‐joint arthroplasty: A review

Abstract

Improving the wear resistance of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the gold standard polymer for acetabular component in hip joint arthroplasty, is the most important challenge in joint arthroplasty. The possible ways that have been approached to this challenge are by: (i) engineering multi‐phase that is, both carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous fillers‐based polyethylene composites, which unite the inherent attributes of each element available in the system. The wear rate of carbonaceous composite is nearly 50% lower (5.11–6.69 × 10−5 mm3/Nm) than that of noncarbonaceous composite (10–12.5 × 10−5 mm3/Nm), thus, recognized as a potential reinforcement, and (ii) coupling gamma‐irradiation, which is a mandated sterilization process, with multi‐phase nanocomposite to understand the free radical‐scavenging effect of fillers and improved interfacial adhesion strength between fillers and matrix. After the exposure of gamma‐rays (50–100 kGy), the free radicals formed by bond breakage in both the reinforcements and the matrix recombine to form covalent/Van der Waals bond in the interface. Thus, dramatical improvement in wear resistance of both types of composites with 2–4 times decreased wear rate is observed compared to that of composites under un‐irradiated condition. However, enhancing the interfacial adhesion between two different phases is a major constraint in the design of UHMWPE composites. Many methods such as functionalization of reinforcements, and irradiation on functionalized UHMWPE composites that can be approached to address this constraint are documented in this review.

Multifunctional Hydroxyapatite Composites for Orthopedic Applications: A Review

“…The implant’s life mainly depends on the mechanical and tribological properties of the coating . A significant difference in the elastic modulus between the HAp coating (∼100–120 GPa) and the metallic implant (193–210 GPa) may generate sharp stress gradation that results in cracking and delamination at the interface. ,, This can elevate even further if the adhesion of the HAp coating with the metallic implant is weak, eventually leading to an early failure of the implant, and is typically noted in the state-of-the-art powder plasma-sprayed HAp coating .…”

Preliminary tribological results of a new total temporary hip joint prosthesis spacer

“…It is well known that the crosslink density is strongly correlated with the wear resistance of UHMWPE. 45,46 Therefore, the lower wear rates observed for XLPE compared to UHMWPE are a consequence of cross-linked induced by irradiation. The wear mapping reduction trend for XLPE couples was caused by the increased strength of the polymeric chains produced by cross-linked with gamma irradiation.…”

Bio‐inspired low wear and durable lubrication interfacial system based on thixotropic hydrogel for artificial joints

“…In the early 1960s, Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been used to develop the low-friction Hip Joint Arthroplasty (HJA) by Sir John Charnley due to its remarkable low-friction properties, biocompatibility and chemical inertness [1][2][3][4][5][6]. To date, UHMWPE has become one of the most available artificial joint component materials to significantly improve the function and quality of life of patients [7].…”