Review Question - QID 8318

The biologic response to polyethylene is highly dependent on the type and quantity of particles. The response is clearly dose-dependent. Multiple cytokines are involved in the biologic response to wear particles, and tumor necrosis factor alpha seems to be among the most important. Its secretion increases during the biologic response to particulate wear debris. Research has shown that particles sized between 0.2 µm and 7-8 µm are the most stimulatory, but a direct proportional correlation does not exist with sizes outside of this range. A lack of correlation also applies to molecular weight and composition of polyethylene debris.