Skip to Content
MilliporeSigma
  • Highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty.

Highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty.

Journal of surgical orthopaedic advances (2008-02-21)
Cesar Atienza, William J Maloney
ABSTRACT

Polyethylene wear-induced osteolysis is the most significant primary factor limiting the life span of total joint arthroplasty. To reduce ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particulate wear debris, highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXPE) bearings have been introduced in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In vitro hip simulator wear studies with HXPE have demonstrated a decrease in volumetric wear at the hip by 42% to 100% when compared with conventional metal-on-polyethylene bearings. Early to intermediate clinical results suggest that the in vivo wear properties of HXPE products are superior to those of conventional UHMWPE. Second-generation HXPE materials that utilize alternate cross-linking and free radical quenching techniques have been developed and propose to further minimize wear and oxidation.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Polyethylene (LDPE), ERM®, certified reference material
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Ultra-high molecular weight, average Mw 3,000,000-6,000,000
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, low density, melt index 25 g/10 min (190°C/2.16kg)
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, High density, melt index 12 g/10 min (190 °C/2.16kg)
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Linear low density, melt index 1.0 g/10 min (190°C/2.16kg)
Supelco
Polyethylene, analytical standard, for GPC, 2,000
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Ultra-high molecular weight, surface-modified, powder, 125 μm avg. part. size
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Ultra-high molecular weight, surface-modified, powder, 34-50 μm particle size
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, average Mw ~4,000 by GPC, average Mn ~1,700 by GPC
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Medium density
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, High density, melt index 2.2 g/10 min (190 °C/2.16kg)