Load Bearing Polymers used in Orthopaedic Surgery

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Abstract
One of the major contributions to orthopaedic surgery has been the use of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene in prosthetic joint replacements. The part played by this polymer is set in the context of biomechanical requirements. Work dealing with wear found in components of knee prostheses removed from patients is presented, the main mechanism being cold flow followed by abrasive wear. Surface delamination and the effect of inhomogeneous regions are described. Polyacetals, homo and copoly mers are being used as bearing surfaces and the current position is reported. Work in the author's laboratory to develop carbon fibre reinforced plastics is described briefly. The development of Standards is mentioned.