Modular Ceramic Bearings on a CFRP Total Hip Replacement Femoral Stem

Abstract

A modular ceramic femoral head was selected for use as the bearing on a novel carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) total hip replacement femoral stem. Mechanical testing was required to validate this novel combination of materials for load bearing implant application. The Ceramic Head-CFRP Stem Taper interface was tested under axial fatigue loads according to BS/ISO 7206-5, followed by static loading to failure. The assembly survived the fatigue loads and exceeded the required FDA post-fatigue strength by 50%. In parallel, the test was simulated in a Finite Element Analysis study, resulting in recommendations for the adhesive bonding technique used to attach the modular head to the CFRP stem to further improve its strength.