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[Scanning electron microscopy studies of morphologic changes in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene materials
J Jerosch1, S Fuchs, T Schmidt
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemeine Orthopädie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster.
Unlabelled:
Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies were carried out on various orthopaedic implants made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Both non-sterilized and gamma-sterilized machined (milled) implants were used. Milled implants showed significant surface irregularities, and cross-sections also revealed irregularities in deeper layers of the polyethylene. In gamma-sterilized implants, cracks measuring 10-30 microns in length were found at a depth of 1.5 to 2.5 mm. Crater-like defects were also occasionally seen.
Clinical Relevance:
On the basis of these findings, direct compression moulding and a sterilization process in which oxygen is eliminated can be recommended as ways of improving the quality of UHMWPE used for orthopaedic implants.