Abstract (EN):
This chapter discusses the advantages and complexities of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE) when used as a bearing material for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and total knee arthroplasty
(TKA). The UHMWPE internal structure and its mechanical response depend strongly on a diversity of
factors that include radiation crosslinking, fiber reinforcement, and the addition of antioxidants such as
Vitamin E or Vitamin C. All these manufacturing procedures induce morphological changes and
simultaneously alter the mechanical properties of UHMWPE. The importance of UHMWPE on arthroplasty,
including the advantages, the limitations and the strategies devised to overcome the known
drawbacks are discussed in the first section. The following sections revise and discuss the
biocompatibility, the manufacturing processes, the tribological behaviour, the aging by oxidation and
irradiation of UHMWPE and UHMWPE-CNT nanocomposites. The last section analyses the viscoelastic
behavior of UHMWPE and its implications on the long-term survival of total joint arthroplasty.
Idioma:
Inglês
Tipo (Avaliação Docente):
Científica
Nº de páginas:
54