Optical analysis of surface changes on early retrievals of highly cross-linked and conventional polyethylene tibial inserts.

Retrieved tibial liners of highly cross-linked and conventional polyethylene were examined for articular and backside surface damage. Surfaces were graded for pitting, machine-mark loss, scratching, abrasion, delamination, and embedded debris. Whereas no difference existed in the damage score for the 2 groups, the highly crosslinked group showed significantly less elimination of machine marks.