Current Improvements in Artificial Joints

    In China, researchers have revealed that gamma radiation could toughen the current plastic prosthetic joints to make them more resilient in order to last for years. The current joint replacements such as hip and knee replacement always have used materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloys and ceramics to replace damaged or diseased bones. Several materials such as non-stick polymer or nylon are usually used to mimic the cartilage used to coat the artificial joint. The problem with these materials though, as research suggests, is that that they produce debris within the body which will eventually lead to inflammation of the joint, pain and other malfunctions concerning the joints.

      Researcher of the Cangzhou Istiute of Light Industry Technology, has sudied the effects of suplementing ceramic particles to two experimental materials for coating prosthetic joints. These two materials are UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-waight polyethylene) and PEEK ( Polyether Ether Ketone).  Xue has revealed that by adding ceramic particles to the polymers and then eventually adding a short burst of gamma-radiation in order to improve its strength.  The resultin material is much tougher and will not produce the debris within the body, thus preventing inflammation and pain. Xue has also found that the materials might also be more biocompatible and less likely to be rejected by the immune system.  Xue also suggests that the structure of the composite materials can be "receptive" to the addition of bone-generating cells that could eventually help a prosthetic joint become naturally incorporated into the body.

"Radiation boost for artificial joints." Space Daily 5 Oct. 2011. General OneFile. Web. 11 Dec. 2011.

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