Degree
Master of Science
Program
Surgery
Supervisor
Brent Lanting
2nd Supervisor
Robert Klassen
Abstract
Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) was introduced into total hip arthroplasty (THA) to reduce long-term wear-related complications. However, HXLPE production and in vivo oxidation can alter mechanical behavior. Mechanical failure of HXLPE liners at the implant rim have been reported. The purpose of this thesis is to determine if thermal free radical stabilization techniques used in HXLPE production alter the mechanical properties, physical properties and oxidative stability of liner rims after extended in vivo time.
Retrieved remelted, single annealed and sequentially annealed HXLPE liner rims were mechanically tested using a validated microindentation technique. Oxidation and crystalline phase composition were measured. Results demonstrated remelted liner rims had a decrease in mechanical properties but were oxidatively stable, whereas single and sequentially annealed liners demonstrated oxidation and increased crystallinity despite stable mechanical properties. This suggests mechanical properties change in vivo for certain implants, but this is not due to in vivo oxidation or altered crystallinity.
Recommended Citation
Decker, Michael M. ., "The Impact of Free Radical Stabilization Techniques on In Vivo Property Changes in Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Acetabular Liners" (2018). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 5769.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/5769