Property changes of UHMW polyethylene hip cup endoprostheses during implantation

Abstract

In this study it is demonstrated that the combined chemical and mechanical influences of the implant situation cause property changes of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW PE) hip joint cups. Nearly 30 out of 48 loosened cups, retrieved 3 weeks to 11 years after implantation, were investigated. Density measurements show a density increase with implantation time and a dependence of these changes from implant position and loading conditions. The rate of extractable constituents also increases with course of time. An increased in vivo conditioned oxidation of the UHMW PE can be demonstrated by infrared (IR) spectrometry. The density increase can be explained by post-crystallization, which is the result of oxidative chain scission. This leads to a reduction of the average molecular weight of the PE and to an increased extractability of constituents. Since these changes have been recognized as the reasons for aging and failing of UHMW PE, the methods of material characterization used in this study for retrieved implants will help to develop suitable in vitro testing and simulating methods. They are the prerequisite for the necessary improvements of the material properties of UHMW PE.