Running-in friction of hip joint replacements can be significantly reduced: The effect of surface-textured acetabular cup

Abstract

Hip joint replacements represent the most effective way of treatment for patients suffering from joint diseases. Despite the rapid improvement of implant materials over the last few decades, limited longevity associated with wear-related complications persists as the main drawback. Therefore, improved tribological performance is required in order to extend the service life of replacements. The effect of surface texturing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cup was investigated in the present study. Unique tilling method was utilized for manufacturing the dimples with controlled diameter and depths on the contact surface of the cup. The experiments with four commercial femoral components and two model lubricants were realized. The main attention was paid to a coefficient of friction considering the differences between the original and the dimpled cups. Results showed remarkable lowering of friction, in general. Focusing on the simulated human synovial fluid, friction was reduced by 40% (alumina ceramic), 38.8% (zirconia toughened ceramic), 25.5% (metal), and 9.9% (oxinium). In addition, the dimples helped to keep the friction stable without fluctuations. To conclude, the paper brings a new insight into frictional behaviour of the hip replacements during running-in phase which is essential for overall implant lifespan. It is believed that proper surface texturing may rapidly improve the life quality of millions of patients and may lead to considerable financial savings.

An optimization research on groove textures of a journal bearing using particle swarm optimization algorithm

“…As a feasible way to conserve oil and debris on contact surfaces, surface textures have been researched over past decades and widely used in many applications [1], such as vibration cutting tools [2], mechanical seals [3], gas face seals [4], slipper bearing [5], thrust bearing [6], piston rings [7], and medical devices [8,9]. These researches showed the applying of surface textures can reduce wear and increase load carrying capacity, which is helpful to prolong service lives of mechanical components, save energy and protect environment.…”

Analysis of Chemisorbed Tribo-Film for Ceramic-on-Ceramic Hip Joint Prostheses by Raman Spectroscopy

“…This mechanism was utilized to visualize lubricating films between artificial head and cup in real geometry and to understand the effect of diameter, clearance, and material during in situ observation of lubricant film formation [ 35 , 36 ]. The pendulum hip joint simulator was also used to assess the coefficient of friction to evaluate the impact of surface texturing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene acetabular cup [ 37 ].…”

“…Therefore, angular velocity was calculated by the difference of maximum and minimum deflection to ascertain linear decay function. This method was used previously to determine friction coefficient [ 37 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. The described instrumental setup allows the determination of the chemical reactions between the ceramic ball surface and SF, along with the frictional coefficient.…”

Raman analysis of chemisorbed tribofilm for metal‐on‐polyethylene hip joint prostheses

“…Thus, the friction coefficient was derived from a curve of slowing pendulum oscillations. This method was previously used to determine the friction coefficient [28,[34][35][36]. Therefore, we measured angular velocity by the difference in maximum and minimum deflection to determine the linear decay function.…”