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Oxidation of silicone elastomer finger joints
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. snaidu@psu.edu
Silicone elastomer finger joint implants showed increased oxygen content after in vivo use, suggesting oxidation contributes to degradation. However, mechanical factors also play a significant role in implant fracture.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Silicone elastomers are widely used in orthopedic implants.
- Understanding degradation mechanisms is crucial for improving implant longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the oxygen content of retrieved silicone elastomer finger joint implants.
- To investigate the role of oxidation in the in vivo degradation of these implants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of oxygen content in 19 retrieved Swanson silicone elastomer finger joint implants (average 7 years in vivo).
- Comparison with 6 packaged, expired implants using elemental analysis.
- Assessment of total oxygen percentage by weight.
Main Results:
- Retrieved implants exhibited a mean oxygen content of 0.41% ± 0.35%, significantly higher than packaged implants (<0.1%).
- Eight of 19 retrieved implants showed no significant oxidation.
- No correlation was found between implant fracture and oxygen content.
Conclusions:
- In vivo oxidation of silicone elastomers in finger joint implants is suggested.
- Oxidation may compromise material mechanics, but mechanical factors are also critical for implant fracture.
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