Thirty-four patients who were scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned into one of two groups to compare the effectiveness of highly cross-linked polyethylene to conventional polyethylene when looking at polyethylene wear. Results demonstrated that the type of polyethylene had no significant beneficial effect on the wear that was experienced by an individual, one year after treatment was completed. The type of polyethylene used also had no substantial effect on the functionality of the operated joint. Further investigations are required to assess differences in wear and revision rates at a long term follow-up.