Analysis of polyethylene wear debris using micro-Raman spectroscopy: A report on the presence of beta-carotene
✍ Scribed by Hahn, David W. ;Wolfarth, Debra L. ;Parks, Nancy L.
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1997
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 83 KB
- Volume
- 35
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0021-9304
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✦ Synopsis
This paper describes micro-Raman spectroscopy of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear debris isolated from revised knee replacements. The novel application of micro-Raman spectroscopy to the analysis of in vivogenerated wear debris was used to evaluate the chemical nature of individual, retrieved polyethylene particles. The analysis revealed the presence of -carotene on particles from both synovial fluid and tissue samples. Raman analysis of retrieved polyethylene tibial inserts also revealed localized -carotene signals within the primary wear region. In this paper, a mechanism is suggested that may account for the coupling of -carotene and polyethylene wear debris. We also discuss the origin of -carotene within the implanted joint and the implications that -carotene, an antioxidant, has for the overall host response to polyethylene orthopedic components.