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OrthoVellum

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Adult Reconstruction
intermediate
X-Type

Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene in Arthroplasty

Bearing Surfaces

A 52-year-old active woman is undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. She is expected to have high activity demands and decades of implant use. The surgeon discusses bearing surface options including highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE). She asks about the advantages and limitations of this material compared to conventional polyethylene. Regarding highly crosslinked polyethylene in arthroplasty:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Highly crosslinked polyethylene is manufactured by exposing UHMWPE to gamma or electron beam irradia...

B

Irradiation creates free radicals which can cause oxidative degradation over time; post-irradiation ...

C

Crosslinking increases both wear resistance and mechanical strength equally; thermal treatment after...

D

Advantages of HXLPE include dramatically reduced wear, decreased wear debris and osteolysis, allowin...

E

In total hip arthroplasty, HXLPE has become the standard of care for acetabular liners with proven l...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option