A Review of the History and Role of UHMWPE as A Component in Total Joint Replacements

Since its introduction as a bearing component for Total Joint Replacements (TJR) by Dr. Charnley in the early 1960’s, Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has become the gold standard to fabricate one of the articulating surfaces of total hip, total knee and total shoulder prostheses. More than a million TJR’s are performed every year and is a multi-billion dollar industry. In-spite-of the overwhelming success of this medical...