Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers by crosslinking them, especially before irradiation sterilization. In particular, this invention presents the use of chemically crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in in vivo implants.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 3, 2002
Publication date:
March 6, 2003
Applicant:
The Orthopaedic Hospital and University of Southern California
Inventors:
Ronald Salovey, Harry A. McKellop, Fu-Wen Shen
Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers by crosslinking them, especially before irradiation sterilization. In particular, this invention presents the use of chemically crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in in vivo implants.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 2, 2001
Publication date:
December 6, 2001
Applicant:
The Orthopaedic Hospital and University of Southern California
Inventors:
Ronald Salovey, Harry A. McKellop, Fu-Wen Shen
Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 6, 1999
Date of Patent:
May 8, 2001
Assignee:
The Orthopaedic Hospital and University of Southern
California
Inventors:
Fu-Wen Shen, Harry A. McKellop, Ronald Salovey