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Polyethylene Properties and Their Role in Osteolysis After Total Joint Arthroplasty

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Advances in Osteoarthritis

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Summary

Polyethylene continues to be the weak link in total joint arthroplasty. Wear particles, regardless of their source, are capable of inducing osteolysis by the induction of cytokines, which stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption. This, ultimately, leads to failure, and if allowed to continue for a long time, potentially very difficult reconstructions. Although materials other than polyethylene generate wear debris, polyethylene wear continues to be the most important source of these particles. Oxidation after gamma irradiation leads to worsening of the wear characteristics of polyethylene. Techniques to minimize oxidative degradation are therefore of great importance. Unconsolidated polyethylene particles, also known as fusion defects, may also be responsible for increased polyethylene wear. Strict quality control for the prevention of these defects is also important.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, 930-943 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., V5Z 4E1, Canada

    Bassam A. Masri & Clive P. Duncan

  2. Hip and Knee Services, The Hospital for Special Surgery and New York Hospital, Cornell University College of Medicine, 535 E. 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Eduardo A. Salvati

Authors
  1. Bassam A. Masri
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  2. Eduardo A. Salvati
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  3. Clive P. Duncan
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Kinki University School of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, 589-8511, Osaka, Japan

    Seisuke Tanaka M.D. (Dean) (Dean)

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, 589-8511, Osaka, Japan

    Chiaki Hamanishi M.D. (Professor) (Professor)

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© 1999 Springer-Verlag Tokyo

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Masri, B.A., Salvati, E.A., Duncan, C.P. (1999). Polyethylene Properties and Their Role in Osteolysis After Total Joint Arthroplasty. In: Tanaka, S., Hamanishi, C. (eds) Advances in Osteoarthritis. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-68497-8_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-68497-8_20

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Tokyo

  • Print ISBN: 978-4-431-68499-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-4-431-68497-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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