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Total knee prosthesis polyethylene wear reduction by a new metal part finishing method
Antonio Gigante1, Valerio Cigna, Sandra Manzotti
1Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona - Italy.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess a new metal component finishing designed to improve total knee prosthesis durability. Wear of ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), with generation of submicrometer- and micrometer-sized particles, has been associated with osteolysis and artificial joint failure. Wear extent is influenced by several factors, some of which are related to manufacturing.
Methods:
UHMWPE wear was assessed in metal prosthesis components finished with the Microloy® technology and in traditionally finished components by wear simulation experiments (pin on disk and knee simulator tests) and analysis of wear debris.
Results:
Microloy®-finished prosthesis showed a 48.5% reduction in UHMWPE total weight loss compared with traditional components (P=0.002). A statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction of UHMWPE debris were detected from the Microloy®-finished compared with the traditionally finished components.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest the Microloy® metal finishing may enhance the long-term performance of knee prostheses.
