UHMWPE is a pivotal bearing material in orthopedic implants due to its exceptional wear resistance and toughness. However, its clinical utility is constrained by inherent challenges including extreme melt viscosity complicating processing, long-term generation of wear debris leading to osteolysis, and biological inertness hindering osseointegration. This review provides a strategic framework for advancing UHMWPE toward next-generation biomedical implants. It systematically analyzes the molecular-scale evolution of catalytic systems, ranging from conventional Ziegler-Natta catalysts to precise single-site metallocenes and late transition metal catalysts that enable tailored polymer architectures. Concurrently, the work dissects two complementary modification paradigms essential for clinical translation. Surface engineering techniques, including plasma treatment and chemical grafting, are explored for biointerface activation to enhance hydrophilicity and tribological performance. Bulk modification strategies, such as nanocomposite formation with carbon nanotubes or hydroxyapatite, are examined for improving mechanical properties, oxidative stability, and osteoconduction. By fundamentally connecting synthesis parameters and hierarchical structure to final implant performance, this review charts a clear roadmap for developing advanced UHMWPE biomaterials. The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between material innovation and clinical application, guiding the creation of implants with extended longevity, integrated biofunctionality, and improved patient outcomes in joint arthroplasty and reconstructive surgery.
Li et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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