Medical-grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene: Past, current and future

Zaribaf, Fedra P

doi:10.1080/02670836.2018.1469455

Cited by 29 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 127 publications

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“…Currently, the early diagnosis of failure, particularly of all-polyethylene components, can be challenging as the UHMWPE part cannot be identified on standard radiographs. 3…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterisation of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of a radiopaque polyethylene

2020

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Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene has a low X-ray attenuation, hence, the performance of the polyethylene implants used for joint replacements cannot be directly investigated using X-ray-based imaging techniques. In this study, the X-ray attenuation of polyethylene was increased by diffusing an FDA-approved oil-based contrast agent (Lipiodol ultra fluid) into the surface of the samples, and the suitability of this novel radiopaque ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene for clinical applications was examined. Different levels of radiopacity were created by controlling the diffusion parameters, and the level of radiopacity was quantified from computed tomography scans and reported in Hounsfield units. The physical, chemical and tensile properties of the radiopaque ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene were examined and compared to untreated and thermally treated controls. The results of this study confirmed that for the samples treated at 115°C or less the diffusion of the contrast agent did not significantly alter the crystallinity ( p = 0.7) or melting point ( p = 0.4) of the polyethylene. Concomitantly, the tensile properties were not significantly different from the control samples ( p > 0.05 for all properties). In conclusion, the radiopaque ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene treated for less than 18 h at a temperature of 115°C or below is a promising candidate for joint replacement applications as it can be identified in a standard X-ray while retaining the tensile properties of clinically used radiolucent ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

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“…Currently, the early diagnosis of failure, particularly of all-polyethylene components, can be challenging as the UHMWPE part cannot be identified on standard radiographs. 3…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterisation of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of a radiopaque polyethylene

2020

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“…1,5 Polyethylene has a limited X-ray attenuation making it difficult to see in a radiograph. 6 As a result of its limited X-ray attenuation, clinical evaluation of components and the early diagnosis of failure are challenging. To address this limitation, in our laboratory we developed a radiopaque polyethylene which contains an FDA approved oil-based contrast agent (Lipiodol Ultra Fluid).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical stability of oil-infused polyethylene

2020

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Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) can be made radiopaque for medical imaging applications through the diffusion of an iodised oil-based contrast agent (Lipiodol Ultra Fluid). A similar process is used for Vitamin E incorporated polyethylene which provides antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the critical long-term properties of oil-infused medical polyethylene after 4 weeks of accelerated thermal ageing. Samples treated with an oil (Vitamin E or Lipiodol) had a higher oxidation stability than currently used medical grade polyethylene, indicated by a smaller increase in oxidation index after ageing (Vitamin E + 36%, Lipiodol +40%, Untreated +136%, Thermally treated +164%). The tensile properties of oil treated polyethylene after ageing were significantly higher than the Untreated and Thermally treated controls (p<0.05) indicating less mechanical degradation. There was also no alteration in the percentage crystallinity of oil treated samples after ageing, though the radiopacity of the Lipiodol treated samples reduced by 54% after ageing. The leaching of oil with time was also investigated; the leaching of Lipiodol and Vitamin E followed the same trend and reached a steady state by two weeks. Overall, it can be concluded that the diffusion of an oil-based fluid into polyethylene not only increases the oxidative and chemical stability of polyethylene but also adds additional functionality (e.g. radiopacity) providing a more suitable material for long–term medical applications.

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“…Polyethylene is one of the most commonly used materials in medical applications due to its acceptable biocompatibility; 1 high-density polyethylene foam is used for maxillofacial implants, 2 and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is commonly used for bearing surfaces in orthopedic applications or for ligament replacements or sutures. 3 The lipophilicity of oily fluids makes them partially soluble in polyethylene enabling diffusion 4 and they can be used to alter the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of polyethylene. Oil-based dyes can change the color of polyethylene packaging materials.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A practical model of the diffusion of oil‐based fluid into polyethylene

Zaribaf

Hassuji

Cookson

et al. 2020

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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It is possible to modify the properties of semicrystalline polymers using diffusion to introduce additional functionality. For example, Vitamin E infused polyethylene has antioxidant properties, which enhances the longevity of the polyethylene. Lipiodol ultra fluid, an iodinated oil-based contrast agent, can be used to enhance the X-ray attenuation of medical grade polyethylene. To manufacture a part geometry with a sufficiently even distribution of oil for radiopacity, while maintaining the thermally dependent properties of the polymer (e.g., crystallinity) is a challenge. Rather than relying on trial and error, this study aimed to identify the simplest, most practical model, which could assist with planning for manufacturing of such parts. Models in 1D, 2D, and 3D were examined but only the 3D Fickian model was able to predict the profile of oil diffusion within polyethylene with suitable performance (as low as 7% inaccuracy for some diffusion conditions). The model was more accurate at the surface of the samples and at lower diffusion temperatures. The 3D Fickian model used in this study was capable of estimating the oil concentration in the surface of a polyethylene part after diffusion to a sufficient accuracy for planning manufacturing processes of oil-infused polyethylene parts.

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Medical-grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene: Past, current and future

Cited by 29 publications

References 127 publications

Characterisation of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of a radiopaque polyethylene

Characterisation of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of a radiopaque polyethylene

Chemical stability of oil-infused polyethylene

A practical model of the diffusion of oil‐based fluid into polyethylene

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