Eschbach L
Dr Robert Mathys Foundation, Bischmattstr. 12, CH-2544 Bettlach.
Injury. 2000 Dec;31 Suppl 4:22-7. doi: 10.1016/s0020-1383(00)80019-4.
Sufficient strength and stiffness, biocompatibility and long-term stability are important criteria that polymers have to fulfill for successful implant applications in bone surgery. An additional requirement is sterilization without degradation of the polymer properties. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is used as a carrier material in joint replacement components because of good wear and damping properties. Nevertheless, reduction of wear is still a major challenge in polyethylene research as wear particles are responsible for early loosening of prosthetic devices. Acrylic bone cement is used for the fixation of artificial joints, providing an immediate and strong fixation of the implant. Possible problems with this bone cement are the residual (toxic) monomers and the high curing temperature that may cause thermal bone necrosis. Polyacetal resins are implantable high performance polymers. Due to their high chemical and mechanical resistance, they are used in joint replacement components and other long-term implants. Polyetheretherketone is a new and even more stable high performance polymer. Due to its stability at sterilization temperatures and under irradiation, PEEK is intended to replace POM in future. PEEK is available in a "medical grade" quality suitable for long-term implantation.
足够的强度和刚度、生物相容性以及长期稳定性是聚合物在骨外科成功植入应用中必须满足的重要标准。另一个要求是在不降低聚合物性能的情况下进行灭菌。超高分子量聚乙烯由于具有良好的耐磨性和阻尼性能，被用作关节置换部件的载体材料。然而，减少磨损仍然是聚乙烯研究中的一个主要挑战，因为磨损颗粒是导致假体装置早期松动的原因。丙烯酸骨水泥用于固定人工关节，能为植入物提供即时且牢固的固定。这种骨水泥可能存在的问题是残留（有毒）单体和可能导致热骨坏死的高固化温度。聚缩醛树脂是可植入的高性能聚合物。由于它们具有高化学和机械抗性，因此被用于关节置换部件和其他长期植入物。聚醚醚酮是一种新型且更稳定的高性能聚合物。由于其在灭菌温度和辐照下的稳定性，聚醚醚酮有望在未来取代聚缩醛。聚醚醚酮有适合长期植入的“医疗级”质量产品。
