Characterization of a highly cross-linked ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene in clinical use in total hip arthroplasty.
This article reports on a commercially available extensively cross-linked ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene (HXPE) produced by subjecting molded GUR 1050 ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to 100 +/- 10 kGy of electron beam radiation followed by melt annealing and sterilization by gas plasma. When compared to contemporary conventional molded GUR 1050 UHMWPE sterilized by 37 kGy of gamma radiation, the HXPE material has enhanced wear properties, has no detectable free radicals, and is resistant to oxidation and oxidative-related material property changes. The relative wear improvement of the HXPE is maintained in the presence of bone cement or alumina particles. The HXPE produced greater than 90% fewer wear particles in all size ranges and statistically significantly (P < .0001) smaller average-size particles than did the conventional UHMWPE.
Research Department, Zimmer, Inc, PO Box 708, Warsaw, Indiana 46581-0708, USA.
Michel P
MP
Laurent
Todd S
TS
Johnson
Roy D
RD
Crowninshield
Cheryl R
CR
Blanchard
Sushil K
SK
Bhambri
Jian Q
JQ
Yao
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005270:Femur Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D052638:Particulate Matter; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C477624:GUR 1050 resin; D052638:Particulate Matter; D020959:Polyethylene