The Role of Gamma Irradiation in Rapid Invivo Wear of Polyethylene Implants

Anterior stabilized knees are more conforming than standard cruciate retaining prostheses which increase the contact area. CFR peak had similar wear performance as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene but there were increased wear characteristics with increasing shear and contact pressure. The correct answer to this question is five, irradiation in air. So gamma irradiation is an effective way to sterilize implants, however when the radiation occurs in an oxygen rich air medium, the polyethylene becomes oxidized which can subject the implant to rapid failure.