Exchanging the polyethylene
allows greater access to the posterior aspect of the joint
, permitting a more complete synovectomy and irrigation and debridement.
25
. Irrigation and debridement and polyethylene exchange is an attractive option in treating peri-prosthetic infections because it involves a single operation.
What is tibial polyethylene insert?
The tibial component is
a flat metal platform that holds
the polyethylene insert. The components are designed so that metal articulates against plastic, providing smooth movement and minimal wear.
What is polyethylene knee replacement?
A fixed bearing knee replacement (conventional knee replacement) means the polyethylene insert (plastic liner between the two metallic surfaces)
is fixed inside the tibial tray
.
What is liner exchange?
Isolated liner exchange has become a common surgical intervention when the acetabular component remains well-fixed. The purpose of isolated liner exchange is
to prevent loosening of the components secondary to osteolysis and catastrophic mechanical failure
caused by bearing wear-through.
What is arthroplasty in surgery?
Arthroplasty is
a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint
. A joint can be restored by resurfacing the bones. An artificial joint (called a prosthesis) may also be used. Various types of arthritis may affect the joints.
Why is polyethylene used in knee replacement?
Polyethylene (PE) remains the
gold standard for the articulating surface in
hip and knee arthroplasty. To increase arthroplasty longevity and improve wear resistance, newer versions of PE have been designed with resultantly different wear properties.
Is polyethylene used in artificial joints?
Artificial joints employing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are
widely used to treat joint diseases and trauma
. Wear of the polymer bearing surface largely limits the use of these joints in younger and more active patients.
What is a tibial tray?
A tibial tray is
part of an implant used for Total Knee Arthroplasty
. The part above is attached to the shinbone and supports the upper part of the implant. Typically, tibial trays are made from solid titanium, which exhibits higher tensile strength than the surrounding tibia bone.
What are knee replacements made of?
Artificial knee joints used in knee replacement surgery are typically made of
metal and plastic
. Metal alloy parts replace the damaged thighbone and shinbone. High-density plastic replaces cartilage on the shin and kneecap components.
What is head and liner exchange?
Head and liner exchange is most commonly performed for
polyethylene wear and osteolysis
, treatment for acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and metal-on-metal–related complications.
Is arthroplasty a major surgery?
Arthroplasty is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications
. You may have less invasive treatment options.
What are the types of arthroplasty?
Common types of arthroplasty include
hip, knee, and shoulder replacement
. The procedure is used to treat damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint injuries, osteonecrosis, and other joint damage from disease or injury.
Does arthroplasty cure arthritis?
Surgery such as
arthroplasty will not cure rheumatoid arthritis
, nor will it stop disease activity. But if a joint is badly diseased, surgery may provide pain relief and improve function.
Is polyethylene safe for body?
HDPE: high-density polyethylene
Like PET, it is also
considered “safe
,” but has been shown to leach estrogenic chemicals dangerous to fetuses and juveniles.
Is polyethylene used in knee replacement?
Polyethylene (PE)
remains the gold standard for the articulating surface in hip and knee arthroplasty
. To increase arthroplasty longevity and improve wear resistance, newer versions of PE have been designed with resultantly different wear properties.
Why is polyethylene used in joints?
Melting changes PE structure from a crystalline to an amorphous solid and allows access to free radicals by unfolding polymer chains while the cross links act as molecular constraints. This reduction in crystallinity reduces mechanical properties like crack resistance and fracture toughness.
