Gamma inert sterilization: a solution to polyethylene oxidation?

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the 1990s, oxidation was found to occur in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene total joint replacement components following gamma irradiation and prolonged shelf aging in air. Orthopaedic manufacturers developed barrier packaging to reduce oxidation during and after radiation sterilization. The present study explores the hypothesis that polyethylene components sterilized in a low-oxygen environment undergo similar in vivo oxidative mechanisms as inserts sterilized in air. In addition, the potential influence of the different sterilization processes on the wear performance of the polyethylene components was examined.

Methods

An analysis of oxidation, wear, and surface damage was performed for forty-eight acetabular liners and 123 tibial inserts. The mean im

SUBMITTER: Medel FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2665040 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature