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A-Class® Poly

A-Class® Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene

The balanced processing of A-Class® Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene drastically reduces wear while maintaining the material's mechanical properties to create a superior bearing surface.

Poly material selection

Specific polyethylene has been chosen to manufacture the acetabular liners with a high impact strength, tensile strength, and yield strength.1

Cross-linking process

The selected polyethylene is subjected to a radiation cycle to facilitate cross-linking of the polymers and enhance wear resistance. The mechanical properties of the material are maintained.

Heat treatment

Through a proprietary thermal remelting cycle, the rods are then heated above the melting point of the polyethylene to eliminate residual free radicals, form additional cross-links, and improve the oxidative stability of the material.2

Machining & final sterilization

Liners are machined, cleaned, packaged, and sterilized using ETO sterilization, which does not reintroduce free radicals or cause any other measurable change to the polymer.

 

A-Class® Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene
MicroPort Orthopedics utilizes the following manufacturing processes for cross-linking it’s A-Class® Polyethylene
A-Class® Polyethylene Wear Chart
Wear rate per million cycles of A-Class® Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Design features

  • Optimized Balance
    • Highly cross-linked UHMWPE with a greatly reduced wear rate that minimizes the sacrifice of its mechanical properties
  • Wear Reduction
    • 92% reduction in wear when compared to conventional polyethylene3
  • Undetectable free radicals
    • Through a proprietary remelting process, free radicals are removed3
  • No oxidation
    • In both natural and accelerated aging studies, no oxidation was detected3
  • References
    1. “Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular Weight Polyethylene Powder and Fabricated Form for Surgical Implants”. ASTM International, 2007. F648-07.
    2. Benchtop. Data on file at MicroPort Orthopedics.
    3. Benchtop data on file at MicroPort Orthopedics.

Find a local expert

Surgeons in over 70 countries utilize MicroPort Orthopedics Hip & Knee products. Our national sales team is ready to answer any question you have.