EXTREMELY HIGH-MOLECULAR POLYETHYLENE MODIFIED BY IRRADIATION AND MELTING, PROCESS OF ITS PREPARATION, MEDICINAL PROSTHESES MADE THEREFROM AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SUCH PROSTHESES

摘要

A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.