Optimal sterilization method for the zirconia/alumina composites used for total hip replacements.
Zirconia/alumina composite ceramics have been recently developed for total hip arthroplasty because of their excellent mechanical properties and tribologic characteristics. All such materials used clinically must be easily sterilized, but no report has been issued concerning methods for sterilizing zirconia/alumina composite hip prostheses. Here, we show that 50 kGy of gamma irradiation effectively sterilizes both the surfaces and interiors of these materials. In addition, it was found that the commonly used ethylene oxide and 25-kGy gamma irradiation sterilization methods inadequately sterilize deep inside the femoral head. Moreover, no changes in the chemical or mechanical properties of the composites were noted after exposure to 50-kGy gamma irradiation. We suggest that 50-kGy gamma irradiation is an optimal sterilization method for zirconia/alumina composite total hip replacements.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cheju National University Hospital, Jeju 690-716, Korea.
Kwang Woo
KW
Nam
Jeong Joon
JJ
Yoo
Kyung-Hoi
KH
Koo
Kang Sup
KS
Yoon
Hee Joong
HJ
Kim
D000535:Aluminum / Q000737:chemistry*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005027:Ethylene Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D005270:Femur Head / Q000601:surgery*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D015040:Zirconium / Q000737:chemistry*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015040:Zirconium; D000535:Aluminum; D005027:Ethylene Oxide