 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Research at the OBBL combines the active continuation of previous projects
as well as exciting new initiatives. Among the continuing projects was the
extensive wear testing of the novel highly crosslinked polyethylenes that
were invented in our laboratory for applications in total hip surgery. Among
the novel studies was wear testing of crosslinked polyethylene tibial components
for total knee replacement using unique testing models developed in our laboratory
assessing various total knee designs by comparing highly crosslinked polyethylenes
with the conventional polyethylene components. These investigations showed
that crosslinking markedly improves resistance to both delamination and the
adhesive/abrasive wear for tibial components.
In terms of other new initiatives, we successfully completed the development
of a patella wear tester. The studies with the e-beam crosslinked and melted
polyethylene showed no delamination while, in contrast, the aged conventional
polyethylene components showed subsurface cracking and delamination. The testing
was carried out during three conditions, a) simulated normal gait, b) simulated
stair climbing, and c) simulated mal-aligned components.
