Avaliação do efeito da radiação ultravioleta sobre polietileno de ultra-alto peso molecular usado em implantes para artroplastia.

Abstract

The polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight (UHMWPE) is a polymer with excellent physical and mechanical properties with the most notable its chemical inertness, lubricity, impact resistance and abrasion resistance. Displays a relevant role in the successful Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). The arthroplasty is characterized by replacement of the natural joint with an artificial joint. Artificial joints are formed by a set of components, being manufactured from metal or ceramic raw material and a component normally done in UHMWPE, which is interposed between the metal components. Some factors contribute to increased wear of the polyethylene component. Components manufactured in polyethylene UHMWPE not have photostabilizers. And inspections on manufacturers and distributors of these products was observed that during its industrial processing and marketing they are not adequately protected from direct light. Characteristics considered important for the in vitro performance of these devices are set in technical standards, but many of these standards only recommend certain requirements considered important from a technical standpoint. Currently the area of materials for use in healthcare working on regulations that seek to establish the minimum requirements for registration of orthopedic implants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the possible changes of components manufactured in polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight used in surgical procedures and knee arthroplasty and hip, exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The work was divided into 4 groups: group 1 (material not exposed to UV); group 2 (material exposed to UV for 1 h); group 3 (material exposed to UV for 24 h) and group 4 (material exposed to UV for 48 h). All samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Absorption Spectroscopy Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS mapping and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in order to evaluate the possible degradation of UHMWPE subjected to UV radiation. The results showed that exposure of the polymer to UV radiation at all times tested in this study modified the samples, it was observed mainly in the experimental XRD and EDS which occurred respectively a slight increase in crystallinity and decrease in the percentage oxygen. Thus, it can be concluded that the increase in crystallinity can by the action of UV radiation, affect the material properties contributing to increased wear and reduced useful life of the implant.