Abstract: A hip joint prostheses including an acetabular cup (2) mounted in the hip socket (4) of the pelvis (6) is disclosed. The prosthesis also includes a head (8) which has a radius of curvature complementary to the cavity in the acetabular cup (2). The head (8) is typically made of metal. A neck (10) is connected to the head (8) joining the head (8) to the stem (12). The head (8), and the acetabular cup (2) are designed to allow a great deal of angular articulation. The bearing portions can be made with radiation treated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene polymer having substantially no detectable free radicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical prosthesis for use within the body, which is formed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having a polymeric structure with less than about 50% crystallinity, less than about 290 Å lamellar thickness and less than about 940 MPa tensile elastic modulus, so as to reduce production of fine particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis. The present invention also relates to methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene which has a polymeric structure with less than about 50% crystallinity, less than about 290 .ANG. lamellar thickness and less than about 940 MPa tensile elastic modulus, so as to reduce production of fine particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, is described. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods involving the use of a prosthetic low pressure reservoir for joint fluid and removal of particulate debris from arthritic joints or joints containing artificial, man-made prostheses. The apparatus filters the fluid and traps any particles therein, thus removing them from the periprosthetic space. A communication is created between a space continuous with the articular surfaces of a joint and a separate extraarticular space. The apparatus connects the space continuous with the articular surfaces of the joint to a fluid reservoir located in the extraarticular space. The reservoir contains means for fluid filtration and particle trapping. The extraarticular location of the reservoir is at a lower pressure than the intraarticular space. Increases in intraarticular joint fluid pressure during normal joint activities will cause fluid and particulate debris to preferentially flow into the low pressure reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an improved tibial prosthesis and a template and reamer which are utilized in installing the prosthesis on the proximal end of a surgically prepared tibia. The prosthesis comprises a tibial component including a tray attached to the proximal tibia and an insert attached to the tray and provided to present an articulating surface for bearing engagement with the distal end of the femur or alternatively with a femoral component which has been surgically attached to the distal end of the femur. The tray includes an exterior surface including a plurality of domical contours which interengage with corresponding surfaces formed in the proximal tibia by the surgeon. The tray is preferably attached to the proximal tibia through the use of screw fasteners extending through openings formed in the domical contours. The template is utilized by the surgeon in measuring the exact location and size of the contours which are to be surgically formed in the proximal tibia.