Stress shielding and wear induced aseptic loosening cause failure in total joint arthroplasty. To improve long-term outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the use of a low modulus, low wearing biomaterial may be a suitable alternative to cobalt chromium (CoCr) femoral components. Based on its favorable mechanical properties and observed clinical success especially in spinal surgery, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is investigated as a candidate material for a metal free TKA. An all polymer TKA has several theoretical advantages, these include a more physiological stress in the distal femur, elimination of biological reaction to metal, better radiographic visualisation of the bone implant interface especially with CT and MRI. In addition, polymers afford a cheaper option for the manufacture of prostheses. This study investigated the wear performance of PEEK and carbon reinforced PEEK (CFR-PEEK) as bearing materials in an all polymer TKA using a unidirectional pin on plate test. Our hypothesis was that reduced wear is generated from PEEK or CFR-PEEK bearings when compared with metal on polyethylene (MoP) bearings and that this combination may provide a suitable alternative in TKA.Introduction
Aims and Hypothesis
