Methods for making oxidation resistant polymeric material

摘要

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.

主权项

1. An oxidation and wear resistant cross-linked acetabular component comprising an interlocked hybrid material, wherein the acetabular component is made by a method comprising the steps of:
a) contacting a polymeric material with an antioxidant, thereby forming an antioxidant-containing oxidation resistant polymeric material; b) compression molding the oxidation resistant polymeric material into pores of a porous metallic counterface, thereby forming an interlocked hybrid material having an interface between the polymeric material and the porous metallic counterface, which permits bony in-growth into the porous metallic counterface of the interlocked hybrid material; and c) irradiating the interlocked hybrid material from step (b) by ionizing radiation with a dose of between about 50 and about 1000 kGy at an elevated temperature that is above room temperature and below the melting point of the polymeric material, thereby forming cross-links in the polymeric material and yielding an oxidation and wear resistant cross-linked interlocked hybrid material for the acetabular component, wherein: (i) the cross-linking strengthens the polymeric material to minimize separation at the interface, (ii) the antioxidant provides resistance to post-irradiation oxidation, and (iii) the irradiation sterilizes the interface.