Patent ID: 8137608
Filing Date: 2012-03-20
Classification: A61F,A61L,B29C,B29K,B29L,C08J

Abstract:
1. A method of making a bearing component of a medical implant suitable for use as an artificial joint, the method comprising: preheating a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) polymer to a temperature above 80° C. and below its melting point, wherein the crosslinked polymer is in a bulk form elongated in an axial direction compared to an orthogonal direction; deforming the preheated crosslinked polymer at a temperature above 80° C. and below its melting point by solid state extrusion at a draw ratio less than 3; cooling the crosslinked polymer after the extrusion to a solidification temperature; and machining the bearing component from the extruded crosslinked polymer, wherein the load bearing axis of the bearing component corresponds to the axial direction of the crosslinked polymer.