Total knee prosthesis polyethylene wear reduction by a new 
metal part finishing method.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess 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 statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction of UHMWPE debris were detected from the Microloy®-finished compared with the traditionally finished components.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the Microloy® metal finishing may enhance the long-term performance of knee prostheses.