Abstract: A method for making a crosslinked polymeric material for use in an orthopaedic device is described. The method may include the use of one or more crosslinking enhancers to enhance the crosslinking process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric orthopaedic bearing material for use as an implant material or part thereof comprising one or more crosslinked regions and one or more non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked regions at the surface. The bearing material can be prepared from a crosslinkable polymer, e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The orthopaedic bearing material has an advantageous combination of at least one wear property and at least one mechanical property. Also disclosed are processes for producing orthopaedic bearing materials, for example, by irradiating a raw material in consolidated form through a radiation mask having a perforated pattern for crosslinking selected regions of the raw material, and optionally shaping the raw material into a bearing material. Alternatively, a pulsed radiation beam can be used for crosslinking.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant or medical implant part comprising porous ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of about 400,000 atomic mass units or more and a porosity of about 15% to about 65%. The invention further provides a process for producing a medical implant or medical implant part.

Abstract: Composites that include a ceramic substance disposed in a polymeric material and associated methods for making the same.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bearing includes a metallic component having a polymer composite secured thereto. A method of making an orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bearing includes a metallic component having a polymer composite secured thereto. A method of making an orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An method of making an orthopaedic bearing includes securing polymer composite to a metallic component. An orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bearing includes a ceramic component having a polymer composite secured thereto. A method of making an orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant or medical implant part comprising porous ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of about 400,000 atomic mass units or more and a porosity of about 15% to about 65%. The invention further provides a process for producing a medical implant or medical implant part.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant or medical implant part comprising a body and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer comprises a mixture comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of about 400,000 atomic mass units or more. The invention also provides a method for producing such a medical implant or medical implant.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant or medical implant part comprising porous ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of about 400,000 atomic mass units or more and a porosity of about 15% to about 65%. The invention further provides a process for producing a medical implant or medical implant part.

Abstract: Composites that include a ceramic substance disposed in a polymeric material and associated methods for making the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer composition comprising cross-linked polyethylene having a non-polar biocompatible lipid disposed in at least a portion of the free volume of the polyethylene. The invention further provides methods for making the polymer composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant or medical implant part comprising a body and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer comprises a mixture comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of about 400,000 atomic mass units or more. The invention also provides a method for producing such a medical implant or medical implant.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant includes first, second and third components. The first component is configured to be disposed within the acetabulum. The second component is in a load bearing relationship with the first component, and is operable to rotate in a first axis of rotation. The second component is inhibited from movement in a second axis of rotation. The third component is in a load bearing relationship with the second component. The third component is operable to rotate in the second axis of rotation, but is inhibited from movement with the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A process for reducing the haze of extrusions of clear polymeric blends containing styrene-butadiene copolymer and a polymer immiscible therewith. An assembly of extrusion layers in which a layer of clear polymeric blends containing styrene/butadiene copolymer and a polymer immiscible therewith is overlayered with layers of clear material that provides a smooth extruded surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterile medical implant or medical implant part comprising ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene that has a molecular weight of about 400,000 atomic mass units or more. The invention also provides methods for producing, using, and preparing a medical implant or medical implant part, which comprise contacting the medical implant or medical implant part with water, such that the weight of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene is increased, and the wear performance of the medical implant or medical implant part desirably is enhanced.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant includes first, second and third components. The first component is configured to be disposed within the acetabulum. The second component is in a load bearing relationship with the first component, and is operable to rotate in a first axis of rotation. The second component is inhibited from movement in a second axis of rotation. The third component is in a load bearing relationship with the second component. The third component is operable to rotate in the second axis of rotation, but is inhibited from movement with the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A process for reducing the haze of extrusions of clear polymeric blends containing styrene-butadiene copolymer and a polymer immiscible therewith. An assembly of extrusion layers in which a layer of clear polymeric blends containing styrene/butadiene copolymer and a polymer immiscible therewith is overlayered with layers of clear material that provides a smooth extruded surface.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a customer to motivate a participant. From a motivation website, the customer selects and customizes a motivation document and a motivation award to be printed and presented to the participant as an integrated motivation package. In one embodiment, the motivation document and motivation award are printed on a single sheet of paper for presentation to the participant. The customer selects the motivation document from a library of motivation documents or other communications templates. The customer selects the motivation award from a collection of motivation awards including multiple vendor services.