Biomaterials
A 58-year-old man undergoes primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. During preoperative discussion, the surgeon explains bearing surface options including conventional polyethylene versus highly cross-linked polyethylene. The patient asks about the differences between these materials. Regarding polyethylene bearing surfaces in total joint arthroplasty:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has a molecular weight greater than 2-6 million g/...
Highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is created by gamma or electron beam irradiation which break...
Cross-linking increases both wear resistance and mechanical strength of polyethylene; free radicals ...
Free radicals generated during irradiation cause oxidative degradation if not eliminated; thermal tr...
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is added to XLPE as an antioxidant to stabilize free radicals without t...
Answer the questions to see explanations
Click T (True) or F (False) for each option