Polyethylene Knee Insert Reduces Oxidation Risk
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 26 Apr 2017 |
Image: The E-XPE knee arthroplasty insert in PSA configuration (Photo courtesy of UOC).
A novel knee insert made of highly cross-linked polyethylene blended with vitamin E enhances wear resistance, without compromising oxidative stability and mechanical properties.
The E-XPE insert is indicated in knee arthroplasty for reduction or relief of pain and/or improved knee function in skeletally mature patients with severe knee pain and disability due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), primary and secondary traumatic arthritis, polyarthritis, collagen disorders, avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle, pseudo-gout, and post-traumatic loss of joint configuration, among others. It may also be indicated in the salvage of previously failed surgical attempts, if the knee can be satisfactorily balanced and stabilized at the time of surgery.
The single use insert is made of highly cross-linked polyethylene blended with 0.1% vitamin E, which is intended to reduce the oxidation caused by free radical generated during the sterilization irradiation process and the thermal treatment of the polyethylene insert. The E-XPE insert is a product of United Orthopedic Corporation, is available in CR, PS, UC, PSA, and patella configurations, and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Oxidation continues to be a concern for surgeons. The E-XPE polyethylene is resistant to oxidation and performs extremely well with respect to abrasive wear resistance,” said Calvin Lin, President of United Orthopedic Corporation. “Our E-XPE polyethylene knee insert represents an important milestone in our knee portfolio.”
The majority of knee replacements consist of metal femoral and tibial components with a polyethylene liner inserted between the two articulating surfaces. Although designed to withstand the substantial forces that are transmitted across the knee joint during everyday activities, the friction generated by the articulating surfaces results in wear of the plastic liner, releasing small particles of polyethylene that activate the body’s immune system, triggering an inflammatory response and causing the bone around the knee replacement to be reabsorbed. The result is that the knee replacement becomes loose and painful, known as aseptic loosening.
The E-XPE insert is indicated in knee arthroplasty for reduction or relief of pain and/or improved knee function in skeletally mature patients with severe knee pain and disability due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), primary and secondary traumatic arthritis, polyarthritis, collagen disorders, avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle, pseudo-gout, and post-traumatic loss of joint configuration, among others. It may also be indicated in the salvage of previously failed surgical attempts, if the knee can be satisfactorily balanced and stabilized at the time of surgery.
The single use insert is made of highly cross-linked polyethylene blended with 0.1% vitamin E, which is intended to reduce the oxidation caused by free radical generated during the sterilization irradiation process and the thermal treatment of the polyethylene insert. The E-XPE insert is a product of United Orthopedic Corporation, is available in CR, PS, UC, PSA, and patella configurations, and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Oxidation continues to be a concern for surgeons. The E-XPE polyethylene is resistant to oxidation and performs extremely well with respect to abrasive wear resistance,” said Calvin Lin, President of United Orthopedic Corporation. “Our E-XPE polyethylene knee insert represents an important milestone in our knee portfolio.”
The majority of knee replacements consist of metal femoral and tibial components with a polyethylene liner inserted between the two articulating surfaces. Although designed to withstand the substantial forces that are transmitted across the knee joint during everyday activities, the friction generated by the articulating surfaces results in wear of the plastic liner, releasing small particles of polyethylene that activate the body’s immune system, triggering an inflammatory response and causing the bone around the knee replacement to be reabsorbed. The result is that the knee replacement becomes loose and painful, known as aseptic loosening.
Latest Surgical Techniques News
- Cutting-Edge Robotic Bronchial Endoscopic System Provides Prompt Intervention during Emergencies
- Handheld Device for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery a Game Changer for Removal of High-Grade Glioma Brain Tumors
- Porous Gel Sponge Facilitates Rapid Hemostasis and Wound Healing
- Novel Rigid Endoscope System Enables Deep Tissue Imaging During Surgery
- Robotic Nerve ‘Cuffs’ Could Treat Various Neurological Conditions
- Flexible Microdisplay Visualizes Brain Activity in Real-Time To Guide Neurosurgeons
- Next-Gen Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy Technology Rapidly Removes Blood Clots
- Hydrogel-Based Miniaturized Electric Generators to Power Biomedical Devices
- Custom 3D-Printed Orthopedic Implants Transform Joint Replacement Surgery
- Wearable Technology Monitors and Analyzes Surgeons' Posture during Long Surgical Procedures
- Cutting-Edge Imaging Platform Detects Residual Breast Cancer Missed During Lumpectomy Surgery
- Computational Models Predict Heart Valve Leakage in Children
- Breakthrough Device Enables Clear and Real-Time Visual Guidance for Effective Cardiovascular Interventions
- World’s First Microscopic Probe to Revolutionize Early Cancer Diagnosis
- World’s Smallest Implantable Brain Stimulator Demonstrated in Human Patient
- Robotically Assisted Lung Transplants Could Soon Become a Reality