Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.

Abstract: UHMWPE is exposed to crosslinking radiation and than heated utilizing infrared radiation in an inert environment. In one exemplary embodiment, the infrared radiation is provided by an infrared heater having a tungsten heating element with a quartz tube. In this embodiment, the infrared radiation may have the wavelength from about 1.0 micron to about 1.5 microns. In another exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE is compression molded into bars prior to exposure to the crosslinking radiation.

Abstract: UHMWPE is exposed to crosslinking radiation and than heated utilizing infrared radiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the infrared radiation is provided by an infrared heater having a tungsten heating element with a quartz tube. In this embodiment, the infrared radiation may have the wavelength from about 1.0 micron to about 1.5 microns. In another exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE is compression molded into bars prior to exposure to the crosslinking radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer, such as a polymeric spacer, for use with an implant device, e.g., a bone plate, for splinting a fracture of a bone. The spacer includes a body defining a bone healing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bone healing surface has a coating which includes a therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier, and a buffer medium to stimulate bone growth and/or promote fracture healing. A kit is also disclosed which includes one or more of the spacers, at least one bone plate, and optionally one or more bone screws for securing he bone plate to bone. A method for promoting fracture healing in bone is further disclosed which includes securely situating a coated portion of the spacer adjacent bone.

Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.