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Optimal sterilization method for the zirconia/alumina composites used for total hip replacements
Author(s) -
Nam Kwang Woo,
Yoo Jeong Joon,
Koo KyungHoi,
Yoon Kang Sup,
Kim Hee Joong
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part b: applied biomaterials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1552-4981
pISSN - 1552-4973
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.b.31358
Subject(s) - cubic zirconia , materials science , sterilization (economics) , irradiation , composite number , composite material , total hip arthroplasty , gamma irradiation , ceramic , surgery , medicine , physics , nuclear physics , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange market , foreign exchange
Zirconia/alumina composite ceramics have been recently developed for total hip arthroplasty because of their excellent mechanical properties and tribologic characteristics. All such materials used clinically must be easily sterilized, but no report has been issued concerning methods for sterilizing zirconia/alumina composite hip prostheses. Here, we show that 50 kGy of gamma irradiation effectively sterilizes both the surfaces and interiors of these materials. In addition, it was found that the commonly used ethylene oxide and 25‐kGy gamma irradiation sterilization methods inadequately sterilize deep inside the femoral head. Moreover, no changes in the chemical or mechanical properties of the composites were noted after exposure to 50‐kGy gamma irradiation. We suggest that 50‐kGy gamma irradiation is an optimal sterilization method for zirconia/alumina composite total hip replacements. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009