POLYETHYLENE

Published papers show that polyethylene that does not undergo any irradiation or thermal treatments, that may affect mechanical properties, may show reduced potential of delamination[1]. Medacta provides machined, non-irradiated polyethylene for all GMK tibial inserts.

FIGURE 1

Modulus (defined as the ratio of tensile stress to tensile strain) for non-irradiated and cross-linked polyethylene. Subsequent melt stabilisation for cross-linked polyethylene was performed at 170°C. Adapted from Baker et al. [3].

FIGURE 2

Yield stress (MPa) for non-irradiated and cross-linked polyethylene. Subsequent melt stabilisation for cross-linked polyethylene was performed at 150°C. Adapted from Muratoglu et al. [4].

FIGURE 3

Ultimate tensile strength (MPa) for non-irradiated and cross-linked polyethylene. Subsequent melt stabilisation for cross-linked polyethylene was performed at 150°C. Adapted from Muratoglu et al. [4].

Learn more about Medacta polyethylene:  Polyethylene in TKA: Do we really need cross-linked polyethylene?, MORE Journal Vol. 1 May 2011.[5]