Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene.
As a first step I would recommend the classic papers of John Charnley on low-friction principle (1961, 1979)
Charnley J (1961) Arthroplasty of the hip by the low-friction technique. J Bone Joint Surg 43B: 601-605
In any case LDPE had the main disadvantage of high wear rate which led to the use of high density- and cross linked polyethylenes for joint implants.
LDPE as an inert polymer is absolutely alien to the organism and metabolites// media produced by it. Thus LDPE can be considered only as a temporary substitute/implant.
And the only advantage (as implant) made of LDPE as I see it - is the easiness of preparation of temporary implant joints.
Leonid
LDPE has a very poor wear resistance compared to UHMWPE (wear resistance ins an increasing function of molar mass). This inconvenient can be avoided by crosslinking.
other issue is the lower crystalline ratio of LDPE (because of Short Chain Branching) which reduces its fatigue resistance
regards
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