Abstract: The present invention provides partial and complete shielding approaches to alter the cross-linking characteristics of irradiated polymers, such as polyethylene. Irradiated polymers and fabricated articles, such as medical prosteses, comprising irradiated polymers also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Processes of making crosslinked wear-resistant polyethylene having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the irradiated PE either with or without contact with sensitizing environment during irradiation and annealing the post-irradiated PE at a temperature that is above the melting point of the PE, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogels having advantageous physical properties, and covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogel compositions made by such methods, as well as articles of manufacture comprising such covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogel compositions. The physical properties of the produced hydrogels can be adjusted by varying controlled parameters such as the proportion of physical associations, the concentration of polymer and the amount of radiation applied. Such covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogels can be made translucent, preferably transparent, or opaque depending on the processing conditions. The stability of the physical properties of the produced vinyl polymer hydrogel can be enhanced by controlling the amount of covalent crosslinks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials 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: The present invention relates to medical implants that comprise crosslinked polymeric material (such as UHMWPE) that is in contact with another piece (such as a metallic mesh or back, a non-metallic mesh or back, a tibial tray, a patella tray, or an acetabular shell), thereby forming an interface. Also disclosed herein are the methods of manufacturing and sterilizing such medical devices and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

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 a body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radial. Preferred prosthesis exhibits reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacturing wear resistant medical prosthesis and materials 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 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 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 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: 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.