Composite prosthetic bearing constructed of polyethylene and an ethylene-acrylate copolymer

Abstract

An implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a composite material having a first layer and second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has a engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself. The first layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a polymer such as polyethylene or UHMWPE, whereas the second layer is constructed of a copolymer of ethylene and an acrylate. The ethylene portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to the polymer of the first layer, whereas the acrylate portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to commonly utilized bone cements. A method of making a prosthetic bearing is also disclosed.

1 . An implantable bearing for an orthopaedic prosthesis, comprising: 
 a layer of polymer; and    a layer of copolymer secured to said layer of polymer, said copolymer comprising ethylene and an acrylate.    
   
   
       2 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein said layer of polymer and said layer of copolymer are compression molded to one another.  
   
   
       3 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein said acrylate includes methyl methacrylate.  
   
   
       4 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein said acrylate includes methyl acrylate.  
   
   
       5 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein said acrylate includes ethyl acrylate.  
   
   
       6 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein said acrylate includes butyl methacrylate.  
   
   
       7 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein said acrylate includes ethyl methacrylate.  
   
   
       8 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said layer of polymer has an articulating surface defined therein, and    said layer of copolymer has an engaging surface defined therein which is adapted to be implanted into an acetabulum of a patient.    
   
   
       9 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said layer of polymer has an articulating surface defined therein, and    said layer of copolymer has an engaging surface defined therein which is adapted to be implanted into a glenoid of a patient.    
   
   
       10 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said layer of polymer has an articulating surface defined therein, and    said layer of copolymer has an engaging surface defined therein which is adapted to be implanted into a tibia of a patient.    
   
   
       11 . The implantable bearing of  claim 1 , wherein said layer of polymer has an articulating surface defined therein.