Paul Roberts
United Kingdom
Research Article
Polymerizing Bone Cement can Roughen a Polyethylene Bearing Surface on Total Hip Replacement A Surface Analysis
Author(s): Paul YF Lee, Phillip Alderman and Paul RobertsPaul YF Lee, Phillip Alderman and Paul Roberts
The tribological behaviour of the bearing surface in hip arthroplasty is greatly influenced by its surface roughness. During cemented hip arthroplasty, bone cement may contaminate the bearing surface. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cement polymerization on a highly cross-linked polyethylene(HCLP) bearing surface as any process influences the surface roughness of the bearing surface can have potential long term effect on the wear rate. Three new HCLP liners were used. A map of the surface topography of each liner was obtained using a white light interferometric microscope at five different locations in accordance with the standard BSEN ISO 4288:1998. Bone cement was then applied to the bearing surface and allowed to polymerise, then removed and irrigated with saline. The surface roughness measurement procedure was repeated again for all samples. The Ra re.. View More»