TOTAL KNEE PROSTHESE POLYETHYLENE WEAR REDUCTION BY A NEW METAL PART FINISHING METHOD

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate 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 significant (p<0.05) reduction of UHMWPE debris were detected from the Microloy®-finished compared with the traditional-finished components. Conclusions: These findings suggest the Microloy® metal finishing may enhance the long-term performance of knee prostheses.