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Spece H, Ouellette ES, Klein GR, Mont MA, Kurtz SM. Are Corrosion and Material Loss a Threat for Titanium-Titanium Tapers in Total Hip Arthroplasty Modular Acetabular Components? J Arthroplasty 2024; 39:1602-1608. [PMID: 38070717 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive research has reported on fretting corrosion and material loss for a variety of metal taper interfaces in orthopedic devices. For modular acetabular shell-liner constructs, the interfaces studied thus far have consisted of mixed-metal pairings, and the risk of fretting corrosion and material loss for the all-titanium (Ti) shell-liner taper junction in one ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) design remains poorly understood. We asked: do Ti shell-liner taper interfaces in COC total hip arthroplasty devices show in vivo evidence of (1) fretting and/or corrosion, and (2) quantifiable potential material loss? METHODS We examined 22 shell-liner pairs and 22 single liners from retrieved COC components. The taper interface surfaces were assessed for fretting corrosion using a semiquantitative scoring method and imaged with scanning electron microscopy. A subcohort of components was measured with a coordinate measuring machine, and volumetric material loss and maximum wear depth were calculated. RESULTS Fretting corrosion at the taper interfaces was minimal to mild for 95% of liners and 100% of shells. Imaging revealed fretting marks within a band of corrosion on some implants and evidence of corrosion not in the proximity of mechanical damage. Estimated material loss ranged from 0.2 to 1.3 mm3 for liners, and 0.5 to 1.1 mm3 for shells. Maximum wear depth for all components was 0.03 mm or less. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that, compared to other taper junctions in total joint arthroplasty, the risk of corrosion and material loss may be minimal for Ti shell-liner interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Spece
- Implant Research Core, School of Biomedical Science, Engineering, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Gregg R Klein
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | - Michael A Mont
- Department of Orthopedics, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Steven M Kurtz
- Implant Research Core, School of Biomedical Science, Engineering, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Gerber CD, Lee A, De Silva V, Yatsonsky D, Georgiadis GM. Malseated Liner in Modular Dual Mobility Total Hip Replacement: A Report of Three Cases. Cureus 2024; 16:e60437. [PMID: 38883007 PMCID: PMC11179678 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Modular dual mobility total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be associated with complications if the liner is malseated, which can be unappreciated intraoperatively. A meticulous surgical technique is needed to ensure that the liner is perfectly seated. In addition, a malseated liner can be missed if the postoperative films are not carefully reviewed by the surgeon. We present three cases of THA associated with a malseated modular dual mobility liner. In one case, the malpositioned liner was appreciated intraoperatively, but it was wedged in place and could not be removed. The entire shell needed to be revised. In two other cases, malseating was not detected intra-operatively. Both were appreciated postoperatively, and early revision surgery was needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb D Gerber
- Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, USA
| | - Anderson Lee
- Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, USA
| | - Vihan De Silva
- Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, USA
| | - David Yatsonsky
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, USA
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Kanniyappan H, Cheng KY, Badhe RV, Neto M, Bijukumar D, Barba M, Pourzal R, Mathew M. Investigation of cell-accelerated corrosion (CAC) on the CoCrMo alloy with segregation banding: Hip implant applications. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 152:106449. [PMID: 38387118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Metal alloy microstructure plays a crucial role in corrosion associated with total hip replacement (THR). THR is a prominent strategy that uses metal implants such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys due to their advantageous biological and mechanical properties. Despite all benefits, these implants undergo corrosion and wear processes in-vivo in a synergistic manner called tribocorrosion. Also, the implant retrieval findings reported that fretting corrosion occurred in-vivo, evidenced by the damage patterns that appeared on the THR junction interfaces. There is no scientific data on the studies reporting the fretting corrosion patterns of CoCrMo microstructures in the presence of specific biological treatments to date. In the current study, Flat-on-flat fretting corrosion set-up was customized and used to study the tribocorrosion patterns of fretting corrosion to understand the role of alloy microstructure. Alloy microstructural differences were created with the implant stock metal's longitudinal and transverse cutting orientations. As a result, the transverse created the non-banded, homogenous microstructure, whereas the longitudinal cut resulted in the banded, non-homogenous microstructure on the surface of the alloy (in this manuscript, the terms homogenous and banded were used). The induced currents were monitored using a three-electrode system. Three different types of electrolytes were utilized to study the fretting corrosion patterns with both homogeneous and banded microstructures: 1. Control media 2. Spent media (the macrophage cell cultured media) 3. Challenged media (media collected after the macrophage was treated with CoCrMo particles). From the electrochemical results, in the potentiostat conditions, the banded group exhibited a higher induced current in both challenged and spent electrolyte environments than in control due to the synergistic activity of CoCrMo particles and macrophage demonstrating more corrosion loss. Additionally, both Bode and Nyquist plots reported a clear difference between the banded and homogeneous microstructure, especially with challenged electrolytes becoming more corrosion-resistant post-fretting than pre-fretting results. The banded microstructure showed a unique shape of the fretting loop, which may be due to tribochemical reactions. Therefore, from the electrochemical, mechanical, and surface analysis data results, the transverse/homogenous/non-banded alloy microstructure groups show a higher resistance to fretting-corrosion damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemalatha Kanniyappan
- Regenerative Medicine and Disability Research (RMDR) Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, UICOM, Rockford, IL, USA
| | - Kai-Yuan Cheng
- Regenerative Medicine and Disability Research (RMDR) Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, UICOM, Rockford, IL, USA
| | - Ravindra V Badhe
- Regenerative Medicine and Disability Research (RMDR) Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, UICOM, Rockford, IL, USA; Marathwada Mitra Mandal's College of Pharmacy, Pune, India
| | | | - Divya Bijukumar
- Regenerative Medicine and Disability Research (RMDR) Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, UICOM, Rockford, IL, USA
| | - Mark Barba
- Dept of Orthopedics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Mathew Mathew
- Regenerative Medicine and Disability Research (RMDR) Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, UICOM, Rockford, IL, USA.
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Xiong HZ, Yang LD, Bao G, Peng JC, Liu ZH. Improved surgical exposure and early clinical outcomes using a femoral-release-first technique in direct anterior approach during total hip arthroplasty. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:878. [PMID: 37980499 PMCID: PMC10656993 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed using the direct anterior approach (DAA) has demonstrated favourable early-, mid-, and long-term outcomes. However, the traditional femoral release technique remains technically demanding and is associated with challenges and a heightened risk of complications. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent THA with DAA performed using either the femoral-release-first (FRF) or the traditional approach (TA) strategy. METHODS A retrospective analysis of demographics, clinical and radiological outcomes, and occurrence of complications was performed using data from 106 patients between 2018 and 2019. The patients were categorised into two groups: FRF (44 hips) and TA (69 hips). RESULTS The FRF group showed a reduced operative time, haemoglobin (Hb) drop, postoperative hospital stay, and more optimal acetabular cup anteversion angles. Furthermore, during the first 2 months postoperatively, the FRF group demonstrated superior visual analogue scale, Harris Hip, and Oxford Hip scores. In the TA group, two hips experienced greater trochanter fractures, and one experienced delayed incision healing. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the TA, employing the FRF strategy during THA with DAA resulted in improved outcomes within the first 2 months postoperatively and comparable functional recovery beyond this period. The FRF method exhibited advantages such as favourable acetabular exposure and alignment and a reduced risk of complications. Therefore, the FRF strategy may be a favourable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Zhang Xiong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149# Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563003, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Dan Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149# Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563003, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, People's Hospital of Yinjiang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, 52# Xiyuan Road, Yinjiang, 555200, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Chen Peng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149# Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhi-Hong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197# Ruijin Second Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
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Thompson Z, Hothi H, Brillantes J, Khoshbin A, Atrey A. A Geometric Analysis of Polyethylene Liners Exposed to Acrylic-based Bone Cement. Arthroplast Today 2023; 23:101184. [PMID: 37745962 PMCID: PMC10517260 DOI: 10.1016/j.artd.2023.101184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acrylic-based bone cement (polymethyl methacrylate [PMMA]) is a material commonly used in orthopaedic surgeries; however, during PMMA polymerization, a highly exothermic reaction occurs. The heat released in polymerization can damage nearby materials including poorly heat-resistant cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). Both PMMA and XLPE are used in total hip arthroplasty and could interact during femoral stem fixation. We sought to determine if the exothermic polymerization of PMMA could alter the surface characteristics of XLPE acetabular liners. Methods Six XLPE liners were assigned to one of 4 experimental categories with varying volumes of PMMA applied in a manner that mimicked how the 2 materials would come into contact intraoperatively. Measurements were taken both pre- and post-intervention using a coordinate measuring machine for geometric and gravimetric analysis. Light microscopy was conducted postintervention to examine the surface for damage. Results Coordinate measuring machine measurements showed minimal gross deformation in all 6 liners, but there were isolated surface deposits in 4 of 6 liners. The average maximal surface deviations, when compared to the control, for liners exposed to 1 cc of cement, 2 cc of cement, or 1 cc of cement with a femoral head implant attached were 26.6 μm, 77.2 μm, and 26.4 μm, respectively. All but one liner showed an increase in volume following intervention when compared to the control. Subtle scratches were identified using light microscopy on all 6 liners. Conclusions XLPE shows areas of isolated surface deformation in a dose-dependent manner but with minimal gross deformation after interacting with highly exothermic PMMA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harry Hothi
- The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | - Jacqueline Brillantes
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amir Khoshbin
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amit Atrey
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Bormann T, Müller U, Gibmeier J, Mai PT, Renkawitz T, Kretzer JP. Insights into Imprinting: How Is the Phenomenon of Tribocorrosion at Head-Neck Taper Interfaces Related to Corrosion, Fretting, and Implant Design Parameters? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2022; 480:1585-1600. [PMID: 35383614 PMCID: PMC9278900 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wear and corrosion at modular neck tapers in THA can lead to major clinical implications such as periprosthetic osteolysis, adverse local tissue reactions, or implant failure. The material degradation processes at the taper interface are complex and involve fretting corrosion, third-body abrasion, as well as electrochemical and crevice corrosion. One phenomenon in this context is imprinting of the head taper, where the initially smooth surface develops a topography that reflects the rougher neck taper profile. The formation mechanism of this specific phenomenon, and its relation to other observed damage features, is unclear. An analysis of retrieved implants may offer some insights into this process. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) Is imprinting related to time in situ of the implants and to the taper damage modes of corrosion and fretting? (2) Are implant design parameters like neck taper profile, stem material, or head seating associated with the formation of imprinting? (3) Is imprinting created by an impression of the neck taper profile or can a different mechanistic explanation for imprinting be derived? METHODS Thirty-one THAs with cobalt-chromium-molybdenum-alloy (CoCrMo) heads retrieved between 2013 and 2019 at revision surgery from an institutional registry were investigated. Inclusion criteria were: 12/14 tapers, a head size of 36 mm or smaller, time in situ more than 1 year, and intact nonmodular stems without sleeve adaptors. After grouping the residual THAs according to stem type, stem material, and manufacturer, all groups of three or more were included. Of the resulting subset of 31 retrievals, nine THAs exhibited a still assembled head-neck taper connection. The median (range) time in situ was 5 years (1 to 23). Two stem materials (21 titanium-alloy and 10 stainless steel), three kinds of bearing couples (11 metal-on-metal, 13 metal-on-polyethylene, and seven dual-mobility heads), and two different neck taper profiles (six wavy profile and 25 fluted profile) were present in the collection. Four THAs exhibited signs of eccentric head seating. The 31 investigated THAs represented 21% of the retrieved THAs with a CoCrMo alloy head during the specified period.At the head tapers, the damage modes of corrosion, fretting, and imprinting were semiquantitatively rated on a scale between 0 (no corrosion/fretting/imprinting) and 3 (severe corrosion/fretting/imprinting). Corrosion and fretting were assessed applying the Goldberg score, with the modification that the scale started at 0 and not at 1. Imprinting was assessed with a custom scoring system. Rating was done individually at the proximal and distal head taper half and summed to one total damage score for each retrieval and damage mode. Correlations between the damage modes and time in situ and between the damage modes among each other, were assessed using the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient (ρ). Associations between imprinting and implant design parameters were investigated by comparing the total imprinting score distributions with the Mann-Whitney U-test. Metallographically prepared cross-sections of assembled head-neck taper connections were examined by optical microscopy and disassembled head and neck taper surfaces were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS The imprinting damage score increased with time in-situ (ρ = 0.72; p < 0.001) and the corrosion damage score (ρ = 0.63; p < 0.001) but not with the fretting damage score (ρ = 0.35; p = 0.05). There was no difference in total imprinting score comparing neck taper profiles or stem materials, with the numbers available. Eccentric head seating had elevated total imprinting score (median 6 [interquartile range 0]) compared with centric seating (median 1 [2]; p = 0.001). Light optical investigations showed that imprinting can be present on the head taper surfaces even if the depth of abraded material exceeds the neck taper profile height. SEM investigations showed bands of pitting corrosion in the imprinted grooves. CONCLUSION The microscopic investigations suggest that imprinting is not an independent phenomenon but a process that accompanies the continuous material degradation of the head taper surface because of circular damage on the passive layer induced by grooved neck tapers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Material loss from head-neck taper connections involving CoCrMo alloy heads is a source of metal ions and could potentially be reduced if hip stems with smooth neck tapers were used. Surgeons should pay attention to the exact centric seating of the femoral head onto the stem taper during joining of the parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Bormann
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Müller
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Gibmeier
- Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Phuong Thao Mai
- Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tobias Renkawitz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Philippe Kretzer
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Implant Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Liu H, Yin L, Li J, Liu S, Tao Q, Xu J. Minimally invasive anterolateral approach versus direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty in the supine position: a prospective study based on early postoperative outcomes. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:230. [PMID: 35413925 PMCID: PMC9003954 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimally anterolateral approach (MAA) and direct anterior approach (DAA) have been reported as beneficial for total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to their ability to reduce postoperative pain and lead to quicker rehabilitation by preserving muscle insertions. As there is an ongoing debate on the effect of these two approaches on early postoperative outcomes, this prospective study aimed to assess the difference in early clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcomes between the two minimally invasive approaches. METHODS A total of 98 patients, 50 in the MAA group and 48 in the DAA group, were included in the study. Patients with complete data were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Clinical measurements, including the ability to climb stairs and walk, 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Forgotten Joint Scale (FJS-12), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Hip scores, radiological evaluation, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and implant alignments between MAA and DAA groups. In regards to patient-reported outcomes, the FJS-12 was significantly higher in the MAA group compared to group DAA at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in the FJS-12 between the two groups 12 weeks after surgery. The differences also included shorter operative times (62.4 ± 9.05 min vs. 71 ± 8.01 min), less blood loss (132.6 ± 43.31 ml vs. 159.23 ± 37.25 ml), lower Hb drop (29.56 ± 8.02 g/L vs. 36.4 ± 7.12 g/L), and fewer blood transfusions in the MAA group (4.0% vs. 18.8%). The incidence of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) neuropraxia after surgery was 7 (14.6%) in the DAA group and 0 in the MAA group. One fracture was found in each group and managed conservatively. CONCLUSION MAA and DAA approach yielded excellent and similar early clinical outcomes. However, better patient-reported outcomes could be achieved by MAA THA. The MAA resulted in a safer approach associated with shorter operative times, less blood loss, lower Hb drop, fewer blood transfusions, and LFCN neuropraxia than DAA. A longer follow-up is needed to further examine differences between these procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Panzhihua Central Hospital, #34 Yikang Road, Panzhihua, 617067, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian Medical University, #134 East Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Discipline Construction Office, Panzhihua Central Hospital, #34 Yikang Road, Panzhihua, 617067, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Discipline Construction Office, Panzhihua Central Hospital, #34 Yikang Road, Panzhihua, 617067, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Shaojiang Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Panzhihua Central Hospital, #34 Yikang Road, Panzhihua, 617067, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qifeng Tao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Panzhihua Central Hospital, #34 Yikang Road, Panzhihua, 617067, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian Medical University, #134 East Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China.
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Cowie RM, Jennings LM. Third body damage and wear in arthroplasty bearing materials: A review of laboratory methods. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSYSTEMS 2021; 4:100028. [PMID: 36824573 PMCID: PMC9934499 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbiosy.2021.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Third body wear of arthroplasty bearing materials can occur when hard particles such as bone, bone cement or metal particles become trapped between the articulating surfaces. This can accelerate overall implant wear, potentially leading to early failure. With the development of novel bearing materials and coatings, there is a need to develop and standardise test methods which reflect third body damage seen on retrieved implants. Many different protocols and approaches have been developed to replicate third body wear in the laboratory but there is currently no consensus as to the optimal method for simulating this wear mode, hence the need to better understand existing methods. The aim of this study was to review published methods for experimental simulation of third body wear of arthroplasty bearing materials, to discuss the advantages and limitations of different approaches, the variables to be considered when designing a method and to highlight gaps in the current literature. The methods were divided into those which introduced abrasive particles into the articulating surfaces of the joint and those whereby third body damage is created directly to the articulating surfaces. However, it was found that there are a number of parameters, for example the influence of particle size on wear, which are not yet fully understood. The study concluded that the chosen method or combination of methods used should primarily be informed by the research question to be answered and risk analysis of the device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raelene M Cowie
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Louise M Jennings
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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