Abstract
Wear occurring at the bearing surface and the consequent generation of wear debris has been identified as the primary cause of aseptic loosening in metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) hip joint replacements. The accurate estimation of volume change in polyethylene cups due to creep and wear is, therefore, an important step for identifying the cause of failure and improving the longevity of MoP prosthesis. The purposes of this study were to present and apply a co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM)-based method for assessing the volume change of retrieved components due to wear and creep by using a combination of CMM data and a bespoke computer programme. The method was firstly validated against the standard gravimetric technique, and then applied to four retrieved polyethylene cups for wear assessment and analysis. The results show that the volume changes calculated using the present method match well with those assessed through the gravimetric technique. The CMM-based method presented in the study is capable of effectively and reliably determining the volume change and characterising the wear patch of retrieved components from MoP hip joint replacements.
Highlights
Hip joint replacements have been widely used in clinical practice for patients who are affected by hip disorders such as osteoarthritis
The results show that the volume changes calculated using the present method match well with those assessed through the gravimetric technique
The co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM)-based method presented in the study is capable of effectively and reliably determining the volume change and characterising the wear patch of retrieved components from MoP hip joint replacements
Summary
Hip joint replacements have been widely used in clinical practice for patients who are affected by hip disorders such as osteoarthritis. The in vitro gravimetric method was concluded to be a standard technique for measuring the volumetric wear of joint implants, especially for new joints and materials under laboratory simulated conditions [8, 9]. Such a technique has the limitation of not being able to provide information on the worn surface of the components, such as the penetration depth and area of the worn surface. The method is not feasible in the case of retrieved implants where the original or pre-wear data of the components is unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
