Impact of UHMWPE texture on friction and wear resistance of hip prosthesis

Abstract

Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) is a polymer widely used in hip implants (prostheses) as a bearing surface against metal, because of its good mechanical properties and biocompatibility [1]. Nevertheless, the durability of such implants is limited because of failure resulting from osteolysis and aseptic loosening. These two phenomenons are due to the immune response of human body consecutive to the apparition of wear particles of UHMWPE with time.