Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in the context of total hip arthroplasty (THA). It begins by tracing the historical evolution of UHMWPE in this application. Subsequently, the chapter summarizes the fundamental properties of UHMWPE, including its composition, microstructure, and the mechanisms underlying cross-linking. The chapter concludes by discussing the clinical performance of cross-linked UHMWPE (XLPE) as used in contemporary THA.