Abstract: The invention provides a hydrogel composition comprising water and a hydrophilic polymer, wherein the hydrogel composition has (a) an ultimate tensile strength of about 10 kPa or more, (b) a compressive strength of about 70 kPa or more, or (c) an ultimate tensile strength of about 10 kPa or more and a compressive strength of about 70 kPa or more. The invention further provides methods for producing a hydrogel composition.

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

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: An orthopaedic bearing includes a metallic 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: Disclosed is a bearing material of a medical implant, which is an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite. The composite comprises, for example, UHMWPE and a polyethylene copolymer having a polymer backbone and pendant hydrophilic groups or pendant surface active agents that are attached to the polymer backbone. Also disclosed are methods for preparing bearing materials. The bearing material has one or more advantageous properties including reduced immune response, reduced wear, and/or increased lubrication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing material of a medical implant, which is an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite. The composite comprises, for example, UHMWPE and a polyethylene copolymer having a polymer backbone and pendant hydrophilic groups or pendant surface active agents that are attached to the polymer backbone. Also disclosed are methods for preparing bearing materials. The bearing material has one or more advantageous properties including reduced immune response, reduced wear, and/or increased lubrication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogel composition comprising water, a first crosslinked polymer, and a second crosslinked polymer, wherein the first crosslinked polymer comprises poly(ethylene oxide) and the second crosslinked polymer comprises a hydrophilic polymer other than poly(ethylene oxide), wherein the first crosslinked polymer and the second crosslinked polymer form an interpenetrating network (IPN). The hydrogel of the present invention has an attractive combination of water absorption and compressive strength. The hydrogel composition finds use as a drug delivery device. The invention also provides a method of preparing such hydrogel composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrogel composition comprising water and a hydrophilic polymer, wherein the hydrogel composition has (a) an ultimate tensile strength of about 10 kPa or more, (b) a compressive strength of about 70 kPa or more, or (c) an ultimate tensile strength of about 10 kPa or more and a compressive strength of about 70 kPa or more. The invention further provides methods for producing a hydrogel composition.

Abstract: A component made from a crosslinked polymeric material, wherein the crosslinked polymeric material has a reduced crystallinity is described. An associated method for fabricating such a component is also described.

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: Polymer-bioceramic structures are described for use in the repair of bone defects. The composites of the present disclosure are characterized by a polymer disposed in a porous bioceramic matrix. Processes for preparing the composites of the present invention by compression molding are described, including compression molding to induce orientation of the polymer is multiple directions. The composites of the present invention are also useful as drug delivery vehicles to facilitate the repair of bone defects.

Abstract: This invention provides for an acetabular cup and the manufacturing of an acetabular cup implant formed from a composite of polymer materials such that the articulating surface of the implant is 100% ultra high molecular weight poly ethylene (UHMWPE) and the bone engaging surface of the cup contains a significant amount of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA). The cup would consist of at least two zones. Zone 1 forming the articulating surface and zone two extending from the zone 1 to the bone engaging surface. Preferably, the zone 1 would consist of UHMWPE and would extend a predetermined thickness from the articulating surface. Zone 2 would preferably consist of a mixture of UHMWPE and PMMA dry blended before molding. A third zone may abut zone 2 and consist of PMMA.

Abstract: A method for chemically extracting the low-molecular weight chemical additives from a polymethylmethacrylate coating formed on an orthopaedic implant. Specifically, the implant is subjected to a solvent extraction process to remove residual N,N,-dimethyl-p-toluidine, hydroquinone, and methyl methacrylate monomer from the polymethylmethacrylate mass. A solvent such as methanol or hot water does not attack the polymethylmethacrylate but effectively diffuses into the polymethylmethacrylate to extract out these unreacted and residual components. The removal of these components substantially inhibits discoloration and random chain scission in polymethylmethacrylate upon subsequent irradiation for sterilization purposes.

Abstract: A provisional instrument component 1 for evaluating the fit of a corresponding orthopaedic implant. The component 1 is intended and designed to be a disposable, single use provisional instrument component. The provisional instrument component 1 is made of a material which can be sterilized by gamma irradiation, but which provides a visible indicator, such as visible deformation 10, upon resterilization by exposure to a heated environment, thereby discouraging or preventing re-use of the component 1.