Method for preparing low crystalline polymeric material for orthopaedic implants

摘要

An implantable orthopaedic device comprises a component made from a polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material has a crystallinity gradient formed therein. The material can have a crystallinity of about 50%. The device can be made by a method which comprises heating the polymeric material to a temperature sufficient to cause a decrease in the crystallinity of the polymeric material, cooling the polymeric material at a rate sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the decrease in the crystallinity of the polymeric material, and crosslinking the polymeric material after being cooled.