Residual Byproducts of Peroxide Crosslinked Vitamin E-Blended Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene

摘要

Background: Wear resistance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is improved via ionizing radiation crosslinking and subsequent high temperature melting for improved toughness. Our group has previously reported that crosslinking can also be achieved chemically using organic peroxides. However, volatile peroxide byproducts are generated during consolidation. The purpose of this study was to quantify elution of volatile peroxide byproducts from UHMWPE before and after in vivo implantation, and to determine their effects on local tissues.