Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been widely used as a bearing material for the artificial joint prosthetics and other orthopedic applications since the 1960s due to its excellent biocompatibility, high thermal conductivity, self-lubrication ability and low cost. More than 300,000 total hip replacement surgeries are performed in the United States (US) each year which is used to treat degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, by replacing a patient's natural hip joint with a prosthetic implant. But the poor tribological properties of smooth UHMWPE associated with friction and wear are the major impediments that significantly decline the longevity prosthetic hip joints after 10–15 years of use. Micro-surface texturing has been proven to be the most viable method because it can directly play an important role in improving the tribological properties of UHMWPE. This review article includes the recent development of micro texturing process, different types of micro texturing methods for orthopedic bearings as well as some texturing parameters which affect the tribological behavior of UHMWPE surfaces. Tribological results produced by micro texturing of UHMWPE are reviewed with systematic approach in terms of coefficient of friction and wear. It's been demonstrated experimentally by many researchers that micro texturing can improve the tribological performance of UHMWPE surfaces significantly by reducing the coefficient of friction and wear rate.
Discussion(0)
No comments yet. Be the first to comment.