Wear rate model for UHMWPE in total joint applications

The wear of polyethylene cup in hip implants is influenced by a set of primary parameters, which have been reported to lead to loosening of the implant and osteolysis. Mass loss as a result of wear leading to osteolysis may cause dislocation and subsequently revision and/or replacement of the implant. An attempt was made to develop a comprehensive wear rate prediction equation in terms of the implant dimensions, namely femoral head roughness, femoral head diameter, subject body weight and mechanical properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The effect of mechanical properties of polyethylene was also introduced so that a more comprehensive equation can be developed.