Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Titanium-Hybrid Implant for Bone-Defect Replacement

Abstract

A hybrid implant with a structure mimicking that of natural bone was developed. Titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V prepared with three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology was used to simulate the cortical-bone layer. The mismatch in the mechanical properties of bone and titanium alloy was solved by creating special perforations in the titanium’s surface. Porous ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with high osteogenous properties was used to simulate the cancellous-bone tissue. A method for creating a porous UHMWPE structure inside the titanium reinforcement is proposed. The porous UHMWPE was studied with scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm that the pores that formed were open, interconnected, and between 50 and 850 μm in size. Mechanical-compression tests done on the obtained UHMWPE/titanium-hybrid-implant samples showed that their mechanical properties simulated those of natural bone.