Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a semi crystalline biomaterial widely used in the components for articular prosthesis for its excellent mechanical qualities. Two major problems limit the UHMWPE prosthesis life-wearing and delamination, both phenomena being mainly due to chemical oxidation of polymer. Wearing causes the release of generated particulate that triggers a macrophage reaction leading to chronic inflammation and osteolysis, while delamination, due to the mechanical stress, macroscopically alters the surfaces. The most diffused method to reduce wearing is UHMWPE molecular cross-linking by high-energy irradiation followed by melting that also reduces polymer fatigue strength. For this reason, the use of vitamin E (a-tocopherol), as an anti-oxidative and biocompatible additive for normal and cross-linked UHMWPE, has been suggested as an alternative method to improve polymer wearing resistance without altering its mechanical strength. This paper describes briefly the rationale of vitamin E as UHMWPE additive and its possible use as an emerging perspective in the orthopaedic field.
UHMWPE and vitamin E bioactivity: An emerging perspective / F. Reno', M. Cannas. - In: BIOMATERIALS. - ISSN 0142-9612. - 27:16(2006), pp. 3039-3043. [10.1016/j.biomaterials.2006.01.016]
UHMWPE and vitamin E bioactivity: An emerging perspective
F. Reno';
2006
Abstract
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a semi crystalline biomaterial widely used in the components for articular prosthesis for its excellent mechanical qualities. Two major problems limit the UHMWPE prosthesis life-wearing and delamination, both phenomena being mainly due to chemical oxidation of polymer. Wearing causes the release of generated particulate that triggers a macrophage reaction leading to chronic inflammation and osteolysis, while delamination, due to the mechanical stress, macroscopically alters the surfaces. The most diffused method to reduce wearing is UHMWPE molecular cross-linking by high-energy irradiation followed by melting that also reduces polymer fatigue strength. For this reason, the use of vitamin E (a-tocopherol), as an anti-oxidative and biocompatible additive for normal and cross-linked UHMWPE, has been suggested as an alternative method to improve polymer wearing resistance without altering its mechanical strength. This paper describes briefly the rationale of vitamin E as UHMWPE additive and its possible use as an emerging perspective in the orthopaedic field.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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