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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Polyethylene Wear in Arthroplasty

Biomaterials

A biomaterials researcher is studying wear mechanisms in total joint arthroplasty. They are comparing conventional ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) to understand how modifications reduce wear particle generation. Regarding polyethylene wear in arthroplasty:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Polyethylene wear is a major cause of late arthroplasty failure; wear particles (0.3-10 micrometers)...

B

Wear mechanisms include adhesive (material transfer), abrasive (harder surface scratches PE), third-...

C

Polyethylene wear does not cause osteolysis; larger particles cause more inflammation; osteoblasts d...

D

Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) is created by gamma irradiation (75-100 kGy) followed by th...

E

Vitamin E-stabilized HXLPE incorporates an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals without thermal t...

Answer the questions to see explanations

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