title: Comparison of one-step and sequentially irradiated ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene for total joint replacements.
abstract: Structure and properties of several ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs), which were crosslinked either by standard, single-step irradiation or by newer, several-step irradiation (sequential irradiation), were compared. To verify the results, the same characterization was carried out for commercially available UHMWPE liners made of sequentially irradiated polymer (X3™, Stryker, Mahwah, NJ) and one-step irradiated polymer (denoted as PE-IMC, produced by Beznoska, Kladno, Czech Republic). The structure was studied by a number of spectroscopic, diffraction, thermal, and microscopic methods. Mechanical properties were assessed by small-punch, microhardness and, wear testing. Our results suggested that sequential irradiation followed by annealing did not lead to unusual structure at the molecular or supermolecular level. Consequently, all measured mechanical properties, including wear resistance, were comparable with one-step irradiated UHMWPEs.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovsky sq. 2, 16206 Praha 6, Czech Republic. slouf@imc.cas.cz
authors.forename: Miroslav
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Slouf
authors.forename: Jiri
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kotek
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baldrian
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kovarova
authors.forename: Jaroslav
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fencl
authors.forename: Tomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bouda
authors.forename: Ivica
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Janigova
mesh_terms: D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011095:Polyethylenes
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes; C111601:ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene