The effect of lubrication on the friction and wear of Biolox®delta

The occurrence of squeaking under wear testing standards for ceramic on ceramic total hip replacements

Ceramic on ceramic total hip replacement clinical reports may on occasion note a noise or squeaking. There is much debate on whether this is an actual concern, but some medical centres want to avoid any possible negative impact on the patients' wellbeing due to the noise generated. The aim of this study was to determine what sound frequencies can be picked up from hip testing standards for ceramic on ceramic under different lubrication conditions. The ISO-14242-1 (35° cup angle) and ISO-14242-4 (55° cup angle with a 4 mm translational mismatch) standards were used for testing with dry, water and serum lubrication conditions up to 10000 cycles. No sound was detected for water and serum conditions under standard walking (ISO-14242-1) testing. An audible noise with a frequency range of 0.4-0.8 kHz was picked up within 600 cycles under water and edge loading (ISO-14242-4) conditions. All dry testing produced a high pitch squeak when the frequency was higher than 2 kHz. One sample under dry edge loading conditions had an audible noise of 0.8 kHz, considered not as squeaking, as it was not high pitch. Dry testing for both, standard walking (ISO-14242-1) and edge loading (ISO-14242-4) conditions, which resulted in a high pitch noise, had a frequency range of 2-8 kHz and 5-9 kHz respectively. One sample tested with edge loading and serum produced a faint squeak noise after 6000 cycles with a frequency of 7 kHz. Edge loading due to ISO-14242-4 conditions had an increased torque which may be playing a role in increased friction leading to noise. Edge loading conditions were more prone to the generation of audible noise and squeaking whilst under lubricated conditions.

Biomechanical effect of metal augment and bone graft on cup stability for acetabular reconstruction of total hip arthroplasty in hip dysplasia: a finite element analysis

Background

Different methods of acetabular reconstruction with total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Crowe II and III of adult developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) acetabular bone defect have been implemented clinically. However, the biomechanical effect of different augmented materials for acetabular reconstruction in THA on shell stability has never been discussed.

Methods

In the present study, autologous bone graft (BG)and metal (Ti6Al4V) augment (MA) were simulated with several acetabular bone defect models of DDH in THA. The contact pressure and micromotion between the shell and host bone were measured for evaluating the shell stability using a finite element method.

Results

The peak contact stress between shell and host bone was higher in the MA situation (12.45 vs 8.71 MPa). And the load transfer path was different, for BG models, the high local contact stresses were found at the junction of bone graft and host bone while for MA models the concentrated contact stresses were at the surface of MA. The peak relative micromotion between shell and host bone was higher in the MA situation (12.61 vs 11.13 µm). However, the peak micromotion decreased in the contact interface of MA and cup compared to the BG models.

Conclusions

The higher micromotion was found in MA models, however, enough for bone ingrowth, and direct stronger fixation was achieved in the MA-cup interface. Thus, we recommended the MA can be used as an option, even for Crowe III, however, the decision should be made from clinical follow-up results.

Machine Learning-Driven Biomaterials Evolution

Biomaterials is an exciting and dynamic field, which uses a collection of diverse materials to achieve desired biological responses. While there is constant evolution and innovation in materials with time, biomaterials research has been hampered by the relatively long development period required. In recent years, driven by the need to accelerate materials development, the applications of machine learning in materials science has progressed in leaps and bounds. The combination of machine learning with high-throughput theoretical predictions and high-throughput experiments (HTE) has shifted the traditional Edisonian (trial and error) paradigm to a data-driven paradigm. In this review, each type of biomaterial and their key properties and use cases are systematically discussed, followed by how machine learning can be applied in the development and design process. The discussions are classified according to various types of materials used including polymers, metals, ceramics, and nanomaterials, and implants using additive manufacturing. Last, the current gaps and potential of machine learning to further aid biomaterials discovery and application are also discussed.

Reconstruction of severe acetabular bone defects with porous metal augment in total hip arthroplasty: A finite element analysis study

This study aims to evaluate the reconstructive stability for Paprosky III acetabular defects after total hip arthroplasty using three different reconstruction strategies with trabecular metal (TM) augments. The acetabular bone defects examined were located in the ilium, the sciatic ramus and the pubic ramus. Different scenarios of acetabular reconstructions were simulated, including the non-reconstruction model (NRM), the complete reconstruction model (CRM), the two-point reconstruction model (TRM) and the superior edge reconstruction model (SRM). A primary hip replacement model (HRM) was also investigated to compare the initial stability with different reconstruction models. The gait cycle was incorporated in the model to investigate the dynamic variation within the contact mechanics parameters. By comparing the SRM and the TRM, the acetabular cup translation was more pronounced when the superior defect on the acetabulum remained unfixed. Comparison of the acetabular cup displacement and the interface micromotion of both HRM and CRM demonstrated that the prosthetic implant provided good support for the reconstructed acetabulum. With the use of a press-fit cup, the cup displacement was reduced remarkably, while its Von-Mises stress increased significantly. The results show that the CRM was the best reconstruction option. In terms of acetabular defects, future improvements should focus on the reconstructive stability in stress concentration areas, to ensure no significant stress-shielding or other factors contributing to loosening of the prosthesis.

Acetabular Bone Defect in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe II or III Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Finite Element Study

Background

The purpose of this study was to establish the finite element analysis (FEA) model of acetabular bone defect in Crowe type II or III developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), which could evaluate the stability of the acetabular cup with different types of bone defects, different diameters of femoral ceramic heads, and the use of screws and analyze the stress distribution of screws.

Methods

The FEA model was based on the CT scan of a female patient without any acetabular bone defect. The model of acetabular bone defect in total hip arthroplasty for Crowe II or III DDH was made by the increasing superolateral bone defect area of the acetabular cup. Point A was located in the most medial part of the acetabular bone defect. A 52 mm PINNACLE cup with POROCOAT Porous coating was implanted, and two screws (the lengths were 25 mm and 40 mm) were implanted to fix the acetabular cup. The stability of the acetabular cup and the von Mises stress of point A and screws were analyzed by a single-legged stance loading applied in 1948 N (normal working). The different diameters of the femoral ceramic head (28 mm, 32 mm, and 36 mm) were also analyzed.

Results

The von Mises stress of point A was gradually increased with the increasing uncoverage values. When the uncoverage values exceeded 24.5%, the von Mises stress of point A without screws increased significantly, leading to instability of the cup. Screws could effectively reduce the von Mises stress of point A with uncoverage values of more than 24.5%. However, the peak von Mises stress in the screws with the uncoverage values that exceeded 24.5% was considerably increased. The diameter of the femoral ceramic head had no significant effect on the von Mises stress and the stability of the acetabular cup.

Conclusions

We recommend that uncoverage values of less than 24.5% with or without screw is safe for patients with Crowe II or III DDH.

On the Dependence of Rheology of Hyaluronic Acid Solutions and Frictional Behavior of Articular Cartilage

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections represent one of the most common methods for the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, the clinical results of this method are unambiguous mainly because the mechanism of action has not been clearly clarified yet. Viscosupplementation consists, inter alia, of the improvement of synovial fluid rheological properties by injected solution. The present paper deals with the effect of HA molecular weight on the rheological properties of its solutions and also on friction in the articular cartilage model. Viscosity and viscoelastic properties of HA solutions were analyzed with a rotational rheometer in a cone-plate and plate-plate configuration. In total, four HA solutions with molecular weights between 77 kDa and 2010 kDa were tested. The frictional measurements were realized on a commercial tribometer Bruker UMT TriboLab, while the coefficient of friction (CoF) dependency on time was measured. The contact couple consisted of the articular cartilage pin and the plate made from optical glass. The contact was fully flooded with tested HA solutions. Results showed a strong dependency between HA molecular weight and its rheological properties. However, no clear dependence between HA molecular weight and CoF was revealed from the frictional measurements. This study presents new insight into the dependence between rheological and frictional behavior of the articular cartilage, while such an extensive investigation has not been presented before.

Performance of Hybrid Powder-Suspension Axial Plasma Sprayed Al2O3-YSZ Coatings in Bovine Serum Solution

Ceramic coatings on metallic implants are a promising alternative to conventional implants due to their ability to offer superior wear resistance. The present work investigates the sliding wear behavior under bovine serum solution and indentation crack growth resistance of four coatings, namely (1) conventional powder-derived alumina coating (Ap), (2) suspension-derived alumina coating (As), (3) composite Al₂O₃—20wt % Yittria stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) coating (AsYs) deposited using a mixed suspension, and (4) powder Al₂O₃—suspension YSZ hybrid composite coating ApYs developed by axial feeding plasma spraying, respectively. The indentation crack growth resistance of the hybrid coating was superior due to the inclusion of distributed fine YSZ particles along with coarser alumina splats. Enhanced wear resistance was observed for the powder derived Ap and the hybrid ApYs coatings, whereas the suspension sprayed As and AsYs coatings significantly deteriorated due to extensive pitting.

Reconstruction of Severe Acetabular Bone Defect with 3D Printed Ti6Al4V Augment: A Finite Element Study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to establish the finite element analysis (FEA) model of acetabular bone defect reconstructed by 3D printed Ti6Al4V augment and TM augment and further to analyze the stress distribution and clinical safety of augments, screws, and bones.

Methods

The FEA model of acetabular bone defect reconstructed by 3D printed Ti6Al4V augment was established by the CT data of a patient with Paprosky IIIA defect. The von Mises stresses of augments, screws, and bones were analyzed by a single-legged stance loading applied in 3 increments (500 N, 2000 N, and 3000 N).

Results

The peak von Mises stresses under the maximal loading in the 3D printed augments, screws, and cortical bone were less than the yield strength of the corresponding component. However, the peak stress in the bone was greater than the yield strength of cancellous bone under walking or jogging loading. And under the same loading, the peak compressive and shear stresses in bone contact with TM augment were larger than these with 3D printed augment.

Conclusions

The FEA results show that all the components will be intact under single-legged standing. However, partial cancellous bone contacted with 3D printed augment and screws will lose efficacy under walking or jogging load. So we recommend that patients can stand under full bearing, but can not walk or jog immediately after surgery.

Clinical Outcomes and Bearing-Specific Complications Following Fourth-Generation Alumina Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Single-Surgeon Series of 749 Hips at a Minimum of 5-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the minimum 5-year outcomes and bearing-specific complications in a single surgeon series of fourth-generation alumina ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasties (THAs).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 667 patients (749 hips) who underwent primary THAs by a single surgeon using fourth-generation alumina ceramic bearings. There were 315 men and 352 women with a mean age of 54.2 years. The surgeon used cementless prostheses with an identical design and BIOLOX Delta ceramics in all hips, using a 36-mm head in 472 hips (63%) and a 32-mm head in 227. The mean follow-up duration was 6.5 years (range, 5 to 8 years).

RESULTS

The mean Harris hip score improved from 45.6 points preoperatively to 91.3 points at final follow-up. All but 1 acetabular cup and all femoral stems were well fixed. No radiographic evidence of osteolysis was identified at final follow-up. There were 2 (0.3%) ceramic liner fractures and no ceramic head fractures. A total of 48 hips (6.4%) exhibited audible noise (29 clickings and 19 squeakings), but no patient required revision. Other complications were 1 dislocation, 1 deep infection, 3 iliopsoas tendonitis, and 6 periprosthetic femoral fractures. Kaplan-Meier survivorship for revision for any reason was 98.6% (95% confidence interval, 97.7-99.5) at 6.5 years.

CONCLUSION

Delta ceramic-on-ceramic THAs had a high rate of survivorship without radiographic evidence of osteolysis at 6.5-year follow-up. However, we found 0.3% ceramic liner fractures and 6.4% audible noises associated with the use of Delta ceramics.

Zirconia phase transformation in retrieved, wear simulated, and artificially aged ceramic femoral heads

Zirconia in Zirconia toughened alumina ceramic hip replacements exists in an unstable state and can transform in response to stress giving the material improved fracture toughness. Phase transformation also occurs under hydrothermal conditions such as exist in vivo. To predict the hydrothermal aging that will occur in vivo accelerated aging procedures have been used, but validation of these models requires the study of retrieved hip joints. Here 26 retrievals are analysed to determine the degree of phase transformation in vivo. These were compared with virgin heads, heads that had undergone the accelerated aging process and heads wear tested to 5 million cycles in a hip simulator. Monoclinic content and surface roughness were measured using Raman spectroscopy and white light interferometry respectively. The monoclinic content for retrieved heads was 28.5% ± 7.8, greater than twice that in virgin, aged, or wear tested heads and did not have a significant correlation with time, contrary to the predictions of the hydrothermal aging model. The surface roughness for retrieved heads in the unworn area was not significantly different to that in virgin, aged, or unworn areas of wear tested heads. However in worn areas of the retrieved heads, the surface roughness was higher than observed in wear simulator testing. These results indicate that current testing methodologies do not fully capture the operational conditions of the material and the real performance of future new materials may not be adequately predicted by current pre-clinical testing methods. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society 35:2781-2789, 2017.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty using Biolox®delta ceramic-on-ceramic bearing in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a 32 mm or larger Biolox®delta ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head after a minimum of 5 years of follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 44 patients (53 hips) who underwent cementless THA using Biolox®delta CoC bearing. There were 33 men (40 hips) and 11 women (13 hips) with the mean age of 49 years. A 36 mm head was used in 42 (79%) of 53 hips and a 32 mm head was used in 11 hips with smaller acetabular shells. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.3 years (range 5-6 years).

RESULTS

The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 50 points preoperatively to 97 points at final follow-up (p<0.001). All acetabular and femoral components showed radiographic evidence of osseointegration. No osteolysis was observed. No patients sustained ceramic fracture. An audible hip noise was identified in 2 (4%) of the 53 hips (1 squeaking and 1 clicking). Survivorship with revision for any reason at a minimum of 5 years was 100% in the best-case scenario and 95 % in the worst-case scenario.

CONCLUSIONS

The minimum 5-year results of cementless THA using a 32 mm or larger Biolox®delta CoC bearing in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head were encouraging with excellent survivorship. However, it was also found that the risk of noise development remains even for the new alumina matrix composite ceramic.