Backside Wear of Modular Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Tibial Inserts

Abstract

While some clearance between the insert and the base-plate is required to allow assembly of modular tibial components at the time of surgery, the amount of relative interface motion during a functional activity such as normal gait, which can produce potentially damaging wear debris, is unknown. However, the compressive forces applied to the articular surface during a functional activity may substantially reduce micromotion between the insert and the base-plate relative to the unloaded condition.