Striated Pattern on Worn Surface of a Retrieved TKR Tibial Insert Stems from Microstructural Changes in the UHMWPE.

Polyethylene wear has been a concern for the longevity of total knee replacements (TKR). A characteristic wear feature often observed on the articular surfaces of retrieved polyethylene tibial inserts is a striated pattern of hills and troughs. This pattern is of interest because its surface area has been found to correlate with increased tibial insert wear.