Wear of total knee replacement (TKR) is a clinical concern. This study demonstrated low-conformity moderately cross-linked-polyethylene fixed bearing TKRs showed lower volumetric wear than conventional-polyethylene curved fixed bearing TKRs highlighting potential improvement in TKR performance through design and material selection. Wear of total knee replacement (TKR) continues to be a significant factor in the clinical performance of the implants. Historically, failure due to delamination and fatigue directed implant design towards more conforming implants to reduce contact stress. However, the new generations of more oxidatively-stable polyethylene have improved the long-term mechanical properties of the material, and therefore allowed more flexibility in the bearing design. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of insert conformity and material on the wear performance of a fixed bearing total knee replacement through experimental simulation.Summary Statement
Introduction
