Abstract: Embodiments relate to a joint replacement device, including a fixed socket including an inner surface and an outer surface supporting a ball, an articulating socket including an inner surface and an outer surface the inner surface in contact with the ball and a stem component attached to the outer surface of the articulating socket. The inner surface of the articulating socket articulates with the ball and the outer surface of the articulating socket can articulate with the inner surface of the fixed socket.

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 joint prosthesis device comprises a head configured to fit within a cup. The cup includes a concave cup surface defined by at least one radius of curvature RC. The head includes a convex head surface defined by at least one radius of curvature RH. The convex head surface is configured to engage the concave cup surface. The convex head surface provides an articulation zone where the head surface engages the cup surface. RC differs from RH in the articulation zone by a first amount. The convex head surface also provide a peripheral zone outside of the articulation zone. RC differs from RH in the peripheral zone by a second amount that is greater than the first amount. The peripheral zone generally extends over an area subtended by a minimum angle having a vertex at a center of the head.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem.

Abstract: A femoral prosthesis for use during performance of a hip replacement procedure includes a plurality of femoral stem components in a range of various sizes and a plurality of femoral head component in a range of various sizes. The anterior/posterior stem taper angle of the femoral stem component varies across its range of sizes.

Abstract: Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints.

Abstract: A prosthesis including a hemiarthroplasty cup including an inner surface shaped and sized to accommodate a reamed or unreamed femoral head outer surface, and an outer surface shaped and sized to accommodate a reamed or unreamed acetabulum outer surface of an acetabulum socket, wherein the hemiarthroplasty cup is configured to maintain allowance of articulation of the femoral head outer surface and the acetabulum socket relative to the hemiarthroplasty cup after implantation.

Abstract: A reverse hip prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup for implanting in an acetabular socket. The acetabular cup is secured to the acetabular socket. The acetabular cup has a stem extending from the center of a concave portion thereof and an acetabular ball is attached to the stem. A femoral implant has a femoral cup attached to the proximal end thereof. The femoral cup has a stem which can be made with several stem lengths in order to accommodate the various sizing requirements of patients. After implantation of the acetabular cup and ball and the femoral cup, the members are assembled together so that the femoral cup can articulate on the acetabular ball. The prosthesis of the invention has a wide range of motion and substantially improved tribology.

Abstract: A method of orienting a femoral head member of an implant relative to an acetabular member positioned in the acetabulum including implanting a femoral stem of an implant within an intramedullary canal of a femur, inserting an acetabular member in the acetabulum, positioning a femoral head member of the implant at least partially in the acetabular member with the femoral head member including a curved articulating surface and a plurality of indicia on the curved articulating surface, and orienting the femoral head member relative to the acetabular member and generally aligning one of the indicia on the curved articulating surface with an alignment feature of the acetabular member to signify an orientation of the femoral head member relative to the acetabular member.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument comprises a shell configured to be inserted into a cup-shaped site, a liner configured to be received within a cavity of the shell, wherein the liner has an aperture and a mating feature adjacent to the aperture, and a modular screw configured to be received within the aperture of the liner. The modular screw can include a first component that is positionable adjacent to a first side of the mating feature and a second component that is positionable adjacent to a second side of the mating feature. When assembled, the modular screw can be configured to rotate relative to the liner.

Abstract: A patient-specific acetabular resection guide includes a dome-shaped surface bounded by a periphery. The dome-shaped surface is a three-dimensional patient-specific surface designed to anatomically match and be received into an acetabulum of the patient, based on a three-dimensional image of a hip joint of the patient reconstructed from a medical scan of the hip joint. The resection guide includes a plurality of guiding formations defined on the resection guide and having patient-specific shapes and orientations for guiding corresponding osteotomies relative to the acetabulum for correcting hip dysplasia.

Abstract: An implant having a porous tissue ingrowth structure and a bearing support structure is disclosed. The implant includes a metal insert having a bone ingrowth structure, an intermediate structure and a bearing support structure. A bearing surface is formed from a polymer material and attached to the bearing support structure. The intermediate structure has a porosity sufficient to inhibit the polymer material from translating through the bearing support structure to the bone ingrowth structure.

Abstract: A reverse hip prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup for implanting in an acetabular socket. The acetabular cup is secured to the acetabular socket of the pelvis using fasteners. The acetabular cup has a stem extending from the center of a concave portion thereof and an acetabular ball is attached to the stem, preferably by means of a Morse taper. A femoral implant is provided with a femoral cup attached to the proximal end thereof. The femoral cup has a stem which can be constructed in a modular fashion with several stem lengths in order to accommodate the various sizing requirements of different patients. After implantation of the acetabular cup and ball and the femoral cup, the members are assembled together so that the femoral cup can articulate on the acetabular ball. The prosthesis of the invention has a wide range of motion and substantially improved tribology.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip implant system includes a prosthetic femoral component having a stem portion, a neck portion coupled to the stem portion and a part-spherical head coupled to the neck portion. An acetabular component is provided which has a housing, the housing having a part-spherical inner surface having an open end with a circumferential rim portion. The rim portion has a circumferential radially inwardly extending flange. A bearing element is mounted within the housing and has a part-spherical first outer surface region engaging the part-spherical inner surface of the housing. The part-spherical first outer surface region extends at a first radius from a center. The bearing element has a second part-spherical outer surface region extending a distance from the center less than the first radius to form a stop surface for contacting the rim.

Abstract: A ready-for-use polymer cement spacer device for the replacement of a permanent joint prosthesis during a two-stage replacement, includes a shank includes for attachment for placing to the supporting bone and a head in the joint region. The spacer device includes two complementary members incorporating rigid members for assembly between them, the first member being loaded with a first active substance and the second member being loaded with a second active substance. The first and second active substances are preferably antibiotics, selected from gentamycin, trobamycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, fucidin, tetracycline or other suitable antibiotics. The temporary joint implant maintains a suitable space for the time necessary for the operation of replacing a permanent prosthesis to prevent tissues from occupying the space released by removal of the permanent prosthesis and ensures effective treatment of resistant infections by local treatment of the joint area through at least two different active substances.

Abstract: A component is configured for implantation during a total hip replacement procedure being performed on a patient having an anterior and posterior. The component includes a stem configured for intraosseous femoral implantation. The stem has a distal end configured for femoral insertion and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The component has a neck attached to the stem at a neck-stem junction. The neck has a proximal end proximate the neck-stem junction and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The neck is configured for extraosseous implantation. The component also has a head attached to the neck proximate the distal end of the neck. The head is configured for coupling with a ball configured for coupling with a socket implanted in an acetabulum of a pelvis of the patient during the procedure, thereby forming a total hip replacement. The head is anteriorly offset relative to the stem.

Abstract: An operation assisting system. When an operator manipulates an operation instrument to perform an operation for a joint surgery including a hip replacement, the operation assisting system provides the operator with information on the orientation of a bone such as a pelvis and an appropriate direction of the operation instrument relative to the bone to assist the operator so as to complete the operation in an easy and accurate manner, which ensures a high degree of operation accuracy and reduces the cost of the system.

Abstract: A hip implant assembly including body exhibiting a substantially spherical shaped ball and an elongated stem. An annular defining rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts, in a maximum inserting condition, an exterior surface of a reconditioned femur upon inserting the stem within an interior passageway associated with the femur. A three dimensional and interior volume defining support secures around the ball in a universally articulating permitting fashion, the support being fixed to a reconditioned acetabulum socket associated with an ilium bone by interconnecting posts and anchors established between the fixed support and the reconditioned surface of the acetabulum. A corresponding installation kit assists the preparation of the femur and ilium bones defining the hip joint, as well as the installation of the implant body into the upper conditioned femur end and the outer socket support to a reconditioned acetabulum defined in the ilium bone.

Abstract: An interlocking reversed hip prosthesis including an acetabular cup being implanted in the acetabular cavity having an acetabular articular ball, firmly attached to the central portion of the cup via Morse taper. The femoral component having a hemispherical cup attached to the neck of the implant via Morse taper in a modular fashion thereby allowing use of several length necks. After implantation of the acetabular cup and the femoral cup, the two members are assembled together for relative movement. The acetabular cup secured by several screws or resorbable fixation studs. During range of motion, the edge of the femoral cup becomes inserted into space located between the acetabular cup and the acetabular ball and becomes restrained thus reducing the likelihood of dislocation during extreme range of motion.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a joint replacement device, including a fixed socket including an inner surface and an outer surface supporting a ball, an articulating socket including an inner surface and an outer surface the inner surface in contact with the ball and a stem component attached to the outer surface of the articulating socket. The inner surface of the articulating socket articulates with the ball and the outer surface of the articulating socket can articulate with the inner surface of the fixed socket.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device comprises a first and second piece and a releasing member adapted to, in a first state hold the first piece attached to the second piece, and in a second state release the first piece from the second piece. The releasing member is adapted to change from the first state to the second state when a pre-determined strain is placed on the releasing member.

Abstract: Medical implants exhibiting optimized mechanical properties, and methods of making such implants, are disclosed. That is, the implants are fabricated of a porous metal substrate and include coating integrated over various areas so as to provide some added or desirable property or functionality to the implant. In one embodiment, the implant is an acetabular implant with a coating applied to an internal, concave wear surface which is sized and configured to receive a head of a femur. Typically, the coating is a ceramic incorporated onto the desired area of the implant via electrophoretic deposition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide for orthopaedic replacement of the hip while substantially preserving muscles and soft tissues around the hip joint resulting in reduced healing time and decreased risk of dislocation following the procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, an intramedullary rod 1502 is inserted longitudinally into the femur. A prosthetic femoral neck 3102 is then inserted from a point along the side of the patient's body and into the side of the femur and through a pre-existing lateral bore in the intramedullary rod 1502 and through the remainder of the femur to join the prosthetic femoral head 1102. The methods and apparatus include structures and techniques for fixing the prosthetic femoral neck 3102 in relation to the intramedullary rod 1502.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip joint comprising: (a) a femoral component including a femoral head; and, (b) an acetabular component including an acetabular cup and an acetabular cup insert, the acetabular cup insert sized to receive the femoral head, where the femoral head is sized to have a spherical center that matches a spherical center of a patient's native femoral head, where the acetabular cup is sized to have a cavity with a spherical center that matches a spherical center of a cavity of a patient's native acetabulum and, where the femoral head center of the femoral component is concentric with the center of the cavity of the acetabular cup.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip implant system includes a prosthetic femoral component having a stem portion, a neck portion coupled to the stem portion and a part-spherical head coupled to the neck portion. An acetabular component is provided which has a housing, the housing having a part-spherical inner surface having an open end with a circumferential rim portion. The rim portion has a circumferential radially inwardly extending flange. A bearing element is mounted within the housing and has a part-spherical first outer surface region engaging the part-spherical inner surface of the housing. The part-spherical first outer surface region extends at a first radius from a center. The bearing element has a second part-spherical outer surface region extending a distance from the center less than the first radius to form a stop surface for contacting the rim.

Abstract: A prosthetic hard-on-hard orthopaedic hip joint comprising a femoral head with a diameter of approximately 40 mm and a dimpled surface, an acetabular cup with a diameter such that the diametric clearance is less than or equal to 50 ?m, a sphericity less than 10% of the diametric clearance, a composite surface roughness less than 20 nm, and a femoral stem integral to said femoral head.

Abstract: An acetabular cup includes an articular insert (1) having a substantially semi-spherical articular cavity (1c), and a spherical head (2) engaged in the articular cavity (1c). A retaining device (10a) opposes the axial release (4) of the spherical head (2) from the articular cavity (1c) of the articular insert (1). For example, the retaining device can take the form of a back-tapered segment (10a) of the articular insert (1). The spherical head (2) is factory mounted in the articular insert (1), by temporarily heating the articular insert (1) and performing sterilization after assembly. In this way, the spherical head (2) retention capacity in the articular insert (1) is increased substantially in order to reduce the risk of luxation.

Abstract: A trial head and shell for use in trial reduction of hip implants, and particularly bipolar implants, having locking features that prevent the head from dissociating from the shell during trialing, yet which allow the head and shell to be readily assembled and disassembled in the operating room. A cut-out region is formed in an outer bearing surface of the head. The cut-out region allows the head to pass through a trial shell opening and into the shell, yet is oriented such that when the head is associated with a femoral neck, the head cannot disassociate from the shell. Orientation indicators can be provided for use in assembly and disassembly. The trial head and associated shells can be provided in the form of a surgical kit including hip implants. Methods of use are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide for orthopaedic total replacement of the hip while substantially preserving muscles and soft tissues around the hip joint resulting in reduced healing time and decreased risk of dislocation following the procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, the acetabulum is prepared and fitted with a prosthetic acetabular cup 702 and a prosthetic femoral head 1102 is fitted into the prosthetic acetabular cup 702. An intramedullary rod 1502 is inserted longitudinally into the femur. A prosthetic femoral neck 3102 is then inserted from a point along the side of the patient's body and into the side of the femur and through a pre-existing lateral bore in the intramedullary rod 1502 and through the remainder of the femur to join the prosthetic femoral head 1102. The methods and apparatus include structures and techniques for fixing the prosthetic femoral neck 3102 in relation to the intramedullary rod 1502.

Abstract: A hip implant assembly including a spherical shaped ball and an elongated stem. An annular defining rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts, in a maximum inserting condition, over an exterior reconditioned surface of the femur and upon inserting the stem within an interior passageway formed within the femur. A cup shaped support seats the ball in a universally articulating permitting fashion via a flexible and resilient ligament which extends from the ball and is received within a recess passageway of the cup. The cup also includes a mounting surface with a central projecting portion which is in turn resistively fitted within an undercut defined recess formed in the ilium bone in communication with a base surface of the reconditioned acetabulum socket.

Abstract: A joint replacement prosthesis and procedure reduce the number of steps to complete a joint replacement. The joint replacement prosthesis comprises a ball and socket unit that fixes the ball in the socket prior to surgery. The unit is coupled to a bone structure in the patient and is coupled with a prosthesis that is fixed to another bone of the patient, such as a femoral implant fixed in a femur and providing a coupling at the end of a neck portion that is easily fit into a femoral head and acetabulum unit. A tether may be used to retain the ball in the socket and/or the ball may be retained by extension in the socket that do not restrict patient motion.

Abstract: A method for placing a prosthetic acetabular cup within an acetabulum comprises implanting an acetabular cup with an eccentric socket. The acetabular cup may be substantially hemispherical with a cup rim and a portion of the cup rim removed defining a relief. The cup may accommodate a concentric liner in an eccentric position. Screw apertures may be present on the periphery of the cup and the screw trajectories may converge toward the dome of the cup. The cup is attached to a tool which is offset relative to the cup because of the substantially eccentric socket. The relief, when the cup is secured to the acetabulum, is positioned substantially anterior and the socket is positioned more posterior to provide a more natural center of rotation of a femoral head within the socket. The first relief reduces impingement of the acetabular cup on soft tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-dimensional hinge (100) comprising a first rigid body (10), a second rigid body (20) and a joint member. The joint member connects the first rigid body (20) and the second rigid body (20). The joint member comprises at least three base connectors (32,33,34), each base connector connected to the second rigid body (20) at respective connection point (22, 23, 24) and engaging with an engaging portion of the first rigid body.

Abstract: A prosthesis to replace a portion of the anatomy, such as the acetabulum, can include a first portion. A second prosthesis portion can be positioned relative to the shell to provide the bearing surface to articulate with a femoral head prosthesis or femoral head. The second prosthesis portion can include a connection portion to engage a connection portion in the shell.

Abstract: An improved hlp prosthesis includes an acetabular cup bearing component constructed from a relatively hard and high strength ceramic material for articulation with a ball-shaped femoral head component which may be constructed from a compatible ceramic or metal material. In one form, the acetabular cup further includes a ceramic porous bone ingrowth surface adhered thereto for secure ingrowth attachment to natural patient bone.

Abstract: An implant system that includes a concave spherical-segment-shaped socket part and a corresponding convex spherical-segment-shaped joint part is provided. The joint part rests in the socket part, wherein at least three support elements that describe a spherical triangle or a spherical polygon are arranged on the surface of the joint part or on the surface of the socket part.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device is adapted to be fixated to the pelvic bone of the patient. The medical device comprises an inner and an outer surface, wherein a contacting portion, of said inner surface is spherical and adapted to face the center of the hip joint when said medical device is implanted. The medical device is adapted to receive a caput femur or a prosthetic replacement therefor having a spherical portion, wherein said medical device comprises at least one extending portion, extending said contacting portion of said inner surface such that said at least one extending portion clasps said spherical portion of said caput femur, or a prosthetic replacement therefor, such that said spherical portion is restrained in said medical device. Restraining the caput femur in the medical device reduces the risk that the hip joint dislocates when in use by the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining placement of prosthetic components in joint including defining patient-specific frame of reference for joint, determining patient-specific postoperative range of motion of joint, evaluating patient-specific range of motion of joint, automatically planning placement of components balancing need for range of motion with prosthesis stability through bony coverage, and applying manual adjustments to the automatically planned placement of component by giving greater or lesser weight to need for range of motion or prosthesis stability through bony coverage. Apparatuses for defining center of prosthetic femoral head and axis of prosthetic femoral neck including primary cylinder, first alignment receptacle and second alignment receptacle, and a divot on exterior of primary cylinder, divot having normal parallel to longitudinal axis of second alignment receptacle and position of the divot being translated toward an opening of the first alignment receptacle on the primary cylinder.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device comprises a first and second piece and a releasing member adapted to, in a first state hold the first piece attached to the second piece, and in a second state release the first piece from the second piece. The releasing member is adapted to change from the first state to the second state when a pre-determined strain is placed on the releasing member.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a human patient is provided. The natural hip joint having a ball shaped caput femur as the proximal part of the femoral bone with a convex hip joint surface towards the centre of the hip joint and a bowl shaped acetabulum as part of the pelvic bone with a concave hip joint surface towards the centre of the hip joint. The caput femur has a centrally placed longitudinal extension, extending through the center of the caput and collum femur, aligned with the collum femur, defined as the caput and collum femur center axis. The medical device comprising; an artificial acetabulum, comprising a concave surface towards the centre of the hip joint. The artificial concave acetabulum is adapted to, when implanted, be fixated to the femoral bone of the human patient, and be in movable connection with an artificial caput femur fixated to the pelvic bone of the patient.

Abstract: An improved hip prosthesis includes an acetabular cup bearing component constructed from a relatively hard and high strength ceramic material for articulation with a ball-shaped femoral head component which may be constructed from a compatible ceramic or metal material. In one form, the acetabular cup further includes a ceramic porous bone ingrowth surface adhered thereto for secure ingrowth attachment to natural patient bone.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for preventing prosthetic articulating surfaces from separating from each other. A containment system according to one embodiment seeks to prevent an implant stem head from dislocating from a prosthetic component while providing an increased range of motion over conventional constrained components. In one embodiment, an implant structural member includes a cavity and an opening having a lip, including a web along a portion of the lip. An implant stem head has a cooperating surface that corresponds with the web, so that when the cooperating surface of the implant stem head is aligned with the web, the head may be inserted into the implant structural member. The implant stem head is then rotated and the femoral stem component attached, thereby preventing dislocation of the head.

Abstract: A method for removing a bearing that is coupled to a prosthetic implant by a ring includes advancing a distal end of a removal tool in a first direction and into a slit formed in the ring. The ring can be caused to expand radially from engagement with the bearing. The distal end of the removal tool can be advanced in a second direction such that the removal tool engages the bearing. The distal end of the removal tool can be further advanced in the second direction such that the removal tool urges the bearing away from the prosthetic implant.

Abstract: A prosthesis has prosthetic components principally comprising metallic materials, in which a portion of an articular interface between respective components is a metallic-nonmetallic interface. At least a portion of the articular surface of a femoral head may include a ceramic material defining an articulation zone, such as at a polar region of the femoral head, so that the ceramic articulates with a metallic acetabular liner. The area covered by the ceramic may be engineered to optimize the contact conditions between the femoral head and the acetabular liner, such as by providing two clearances therebetween. A relatively smaller, polar articulation clearance is defined by the gap between the ceramic coating and the metallic acetabular liner. A relatively larger, equatorial non-articulation clearance between the femoral head and the acetabular liner is defined by the gap between the portion of the femoral head not covered by the ceramic coating.

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: Methods, systems and devices for preventing prosthetic articulating surfaces from separating from each other. A containment system according to one embodiment seeks to prevent an implant stem head from dislocating from a prosthetic component while providing an increased range of motion over conventional constrained components. In one embodiment, an implant structural member includes a cavity and an opening having a lip, including a web along a portion of the lip. An implant stem head has a cooperating surface that corresponds with the web, so that when the cooperating surface of the implant stem head is aligned with the web, the head may be inserted into the implant structural member. The implant stem head is then rotated and the femoral stem component attached, thereby preventing dislocation of the head.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for preventing prosthetic articulating surfaces from separating from each other. A containment system according to one embodiment seeks to prevent an implant stem head from dislocating from a prosthetic component while providing an increased range of motion over conventional constrained components. In one embodiment, an implant structural member includes a cavity and an opening having a lip, including a web along a portion of the lip. An implant stem head has a cooperating surface that corresponds with the web, so that when the cooperating surface of the implant stem head is aligned with the web, the head may be inserted into the implant structural member. The implant stem head is then rotated and the femoral stem component attached, thereby preventing dislocation of the head.

Abstract: An interlocking reversed hip prosthesis including an acetabular cup being implanted in the acetabular cavity having an acetabular articular ball, firmly attached to the central portion of the cup via Morse taper. The femoral component having a hemispherical cup attached to the neck of the implant via Morse taper in a modular fashion thereby allowing use of several length necks. After implantation of the acetabular cup and the femoral cup, the two members are assembled together for relative movement. The acetabular cup secured by several screws or resorbable fixation studs. During range of motion, the edge of the femoral cup becomes inserted into space located between the acetabular cup and the acetabular ball and becomes restrained thus reducing the likelihood of dislocation during extreme range of motion.

Abstract: A reverse hip prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup for implanting in an acetabular socket. The acetabular cup is secured to the acetabular socket of the pelvis using fasteners. The acetabular cup has a stem extending from the center of a concave portion thereof and an acetabular ball is attached to the stem, preferably by means of a Morse taper. A femoral implant is provided with a femoral cup attached to the proximal end thereof. The femoral cup has a stem which can be constructed in a modular fashion with several stem lengths in order to accommodate the various sizing requirements of different patients. After implantation of the acetabular cup and ball and the femoral cup, the members are assembled together so that the femoral cup can articulate on the acetabular ball. The prosthesis of the invention has a wide range of motion and substantially improved tribology.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.