Researchers now believe that free radicals in highly crosslinked polyethylene may be a result of absorption of lipids from the synovial fluid1 and/or cyclic loading2. Free radicals can react with oxygen starting the oxidation process. When this occurs, there is a chemical chain reaction that creates additional free radicals leading to chain scission and degradation of the polyethylene.3
Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, stabilizes the free radicals, which prevents oxygen from reacting with the polyethylene. This allows E1® Antioxidant Infused Technology to prevent oxidative degradation of polyethylene4, and overcome the limitations of remelted and annealed polyethylenes by uniting oxidative stability with high mechanical strength and ultra-low wear.3,5
- Data on file at Biomet. Bench test results not necessarily indicative of clinical performance.
- Kurtz, S. et al. The UHMWPE Handbook: Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene in Total Joint Replacement. Elsevier Academic Press. San Diego, CA. 2004.
- Cleared through 510(k) K10048.
- Note: E1® Antioxidant Infused Technology may be used interchangeably with any of the following: E1® Antioxidant Infused Bearings, E1® Antioxidant Infused Material, E1® material, E1® technology, E1® bearings, E1® liners, E1® acetabular liners and E1® tibial bearings.
- Cleared through 510(k) K080528.
- FDA cleared claim. See biomet.com/e1 for complete claim language.
