ULTRAHOCHMOLEKULARE POLYETHYLEN-ARTIKEL UND VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG VON ULTRAHOCHMOLEKULAREN POLYETHYLEN-ARTIKELN

摘要

The present invention generally provides implantable articles and methods of forming implantable articles from a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight poly-ethylene ("UHMWPE") blend stabilized with Vitamin E. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by combining the UHMWPE material and vitamin E prior to irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beam radiation at a sufficient radiation dose rate to induce crosslinking. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be incorporated into a variety of implants, and in particular, into endoprosthetic joint replacements.