Metal-on-Crosslinked Polyethylene Total Hip Replacement
Metal-on-Crosslinked Polyethylene Hip ReplacementWhen polyethylene is subjected to radiation, the plastic undergoes a structural change where the molecules become more tightly bonded. The structutal changed is known as crosslinking. Polyethylene treated this way is more resistant to wear and laboratory testing has shown that crosslinked polyethylene wears at a rate of about 1/10th or less the rate of the standard polyethlyene. Crosslinked polyethylene components from several manufacturers have been approved for marketing in the US by the FDA.Recently a group of surgeons in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons issued a report which expressed caution about the new cross-linked polyethylenes as the crosslinking can increase the brittleness of the plastic, leading to cracks which can cause earlier failure than one might expect by extrapolating the laboratory wear rates. Complete AAOS Report Safety Notice from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Abstract of Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Article Crosslinked Polyethylene Manufacturers
|
Vitamins at Wholesale Prices  
|
Back to Surgical Options Page
ActiveJoints: Total Hip Replacement and Alternatives
ActiveJoints is a patient-to-patient resource for general information.
Contact your physician about treatment appropriate for your specific situation.
© 2000-2003 Keith Brewster.