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Related Experiment Videos

Postirradiation aging affects stress and strain in polyethylene components

S M Kurtz1, D L Bartel, C M Rimnac

  • 1Failure Analysis Associates, Menlo Park, CA, USA.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|May 29, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Shelf aging of gamma-sterilized ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene joint components increases stress and decreases strain. This oxidative degradation may worsen long-term wear in orthopedic implants.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Orthopedic Engineering
  • Polymer Degradation

Background:

  • Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a common bearing material in orthopedic implants.
  • Gamma radiation sterilization and subsequent shelf aging in air cause oxidative degradation of UHMWPE.
  • This degradation can affect the mechanical properties and long-term performance of joint components.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of shelf aging on stresses and strains in UHMWPE tibial and acetabular components.
  • To develop a material model predicting stress-strain relationships in oxidatively degraded polyethylene.
  • To assess how aging impacts the mechanical behavior relevant to surface damage in joint replacements.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a material model for oxidatively degraded polyethylene based on density.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Gamma radiation sterilization of UHMWPE samples.
  • Evaluation of samples immediately after irradiation and after 42 months of shelf aging.
  • Finite element analysis (FEA) to determine stresses and strains in tibial and acetabular component models before and after aging.

    • Main Results:

    • Aging increased stresses by 10-14% in conforming tibial models and 4-8% in nonconforming tibial and acetabular models.
    • Aging decreased principal strains by 5-10% in tibial models and 15-17% in the acetabular model.
    • Oxidative degradation due to shelf aging alters the mechanical response of UHMWPE components.

    Conclusions:

    • Post-irradiation aging of polyethylene joint components is likely to exacerbate long-term wear.
    • Increased stresses and decreased strains resulting from aging contribute to potential surface damage.
    • Understanding aging effects is crucial for predicting the longevity and performance of orthopedic implants.