Cross-linked molded plastic bearings
AssigneeDePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
InventorsDonald E. McNulty, Todd Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method is provided for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing, near net-shape bearing or plastic stock from which such a bearing can be formed. The method includes the steps of providing plastic resin in powdered form, subjecting the powdered resin to irradiation to cross-link the resin, and molding the irradiated powder. The irradiated powder is molded by applying heat and pressure to form the powder into a desired solid plastic shape, the heating being sufficient to melt the powder.
Claims50
A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing, near net-shape bearing or plastic stock from which such a bearing can be formed, the method comprising the steps of
- providing plastic resin in powdered form,
- subjecting the powdered resin to irradiation to cross-link the resin, and
- molding the irradiated powder by applying heat and pressure to form the powder into a desired solid plastic shape, the heating being sufficient to melt the powder.
A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing, near net-shape bearing or plastic stock from which such a bearing can be formed, the method comprising the steps of
- providing plastic resin in powdered form,
- subjecting the powdered resin to irradiation to cross-link the resin,
- heating the powder resin within a mold to a temperature at or above the melting point of the resin for a time sufficient to form the powder into a desired solid plastic shape and quench the free radicals.
A method of manufacturing an articulating bearing surface for use in an orthopaedic implant comprising:
- providing a supply of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene particles;
- irradiating said particles with sufficient radiation energy to crosslink at least a portion of said ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene;
- and
- forming said irradiated particles into the articulating bearing surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.