Investigation of cryogenic treatment of UHMWPE

UHMWPE has been used as a bearing material in total joint arthroplasty for many years. Wear of UHMWPE can adversely affect the performance and longevity of orthopaedic implants. Various efforts have been focused on the improvement of UHMWPE properties, including wear resistance. In this study, a cryogenic treatment was investigated for potential improvements of UHMWPE. The cryogenic treatment applied in this study did not appear to induce any significant or detectable changes in UHMWPE. Wear testing of treated UHMWPE was not pursued based on the findings of this evaluation.