Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene for bearing surfaces
US8546460B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2300/428
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A prosthetic device may comprise an insert having a first surface configured to contact a first prosthetic component and a bearing surface configured to articulate against a second prosthetic component. The insert comprises an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and vitamin E. The vitamin E may have a concentration in the range of 0.02 to 0.12 wt % first mixed with the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and then molded with the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene at a temperature greater than the melting point of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and vitamin E may be gamma irradiated with a dosage of radiation between 5 and 20 Mrad. The insert may be machined prior to gamma irradiating the insert in air such that the gamma irradiation, at suitably high dosages, may also sterilize the insert.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.