The Influence of Inert Packaging on the shelf Ageing of Gamma-Irradiation Sterilised ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

S. Lu; John Orr; Fraser Buchanan

doi:10.1016/S0142-9612(02)00271-5

The Influence of Inert Packaging on the shelf Ageing of Gamma-Irradiation Sterilised ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

S. Lu, John Orr, Fraser Buchanan

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used for wear applications in total hip prostheses and total knee prostheses. Sterilisation of these prostheses is commonly by gamma-irradiation. This process creates reactive free radicals in the UHMWPE, greatly increasing its susceptibility to oxidative degradation. This study has investigated the influence of air and vacuum packaging on the properties of gamma-irradiated UHMWPE (GUR1050) following 3 years of shelf ageing. The findings indicate that vacuum packaging minimises oxidative degradation reactions that occur for UHMWPE during shelf ageing. However, gamma-irradiation of vacuum-packaged UHMWPE promotes a degree of cross-linking. It is proposed that this may enhance the wear performance of UHMWPE. Accelerated ageing studies indicate that 3 years of shelf ageing would also seem to reduce the susceptibility of gamma-irradiated UHMWPE to oxidative degradation upon removal from its vacuum packaging.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	139-145
Number of pages	7
Journal	Biomaterials
Volume	24
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0142-9612(02)00271-5
Publication status	Published - Jan 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Biotechnology
Bioengineering
Biomedical Engineering

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abstract = "Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used for wear applications in total hip prostheses and total knee prostheses. Sterilisation of these prostheses is commonly by gamma-irradiation. This process creates reactive free radicals in the UHMWPE, greatly increasing its susceptibility to oxidative degradation. This study has investigated the influence of air and vacuum packaging on the properties of gamma-irradiated UHMWPE (GUR1050) following 3 years of shelf ageing. The findings indicate that vacuum packaging minimises oxidative degradation reactions that occur for UHMWPE during shelf ageing. However, gamma-irradiation of vacuum-packaged UHMWPE promotes a degree of cross-linking. It is proposed that this may enhance the wear performance of UHMWPE. Accelerated ageing studies indicate that 3 years of shelf ageing would also seem to reduce the susceptibility of gamma-irradiated UHMWPE to oxidative degradation upon removal from its vacuum packaging.",

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The Influence of Inert Packaging on the shelf Ageing of Gamma-Irradiation Sterilised ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Abstract

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