Wear Evaluation of Different Polymeric Materials for Total Disc Replacement (TDR)

In this study, we evaluated the wear of different polymeric materials. The temperatures were also monitored near the articulating surfaces. Six pin-on-disc specimens made out from industrial grade Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), medical grade PEEK, Polyacetal, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, Polyetherimide, and Polyphenylene Sulfide. The specimens were tested under ± 8° axial rotation and constant compressive load ranging from 50N–444N. The results of study show an increase in the wear and temperature with increased load. The PEEK-on-UHMWPE material combination outperformed all other tested material combinations in terms of volumetric wear.