The Analysis of Polyethylene Hip Joint Endoprostheses Strength Parameters Changes after Use inside the Human Body

Abstract

The influence of dynamic loads resulting from human motor activity and electrocorrosion inside the human body on the strength parameters of artificial joint elements has not yet been investigated. Hip joint arthroplasty is the most common surgical procedure in the world that allows doctors to remove pain and restore motor skills in people with severe hip diseases, after accidents, and in the elderly. Based on the reports, this article assesses changes in the number of implanted endoprostheses in the years 2005–2019 and determines the trends and estimated changes in the number of implanted hip prostheses in the following decades. The study assesses changes in selected strength parameters of UHMW-PE polyethylene inserts of hip joint endoprostheses during their use in the human body. The research was carried out on appropriately collected samples from UHMW-PE cups removed from the human body with a known history and lifetime from 4 to 10 years. Patients’ body weight ranged from 735 [N] to 820 [N], and the declared physical activity was similar in the entire research group. As part of the research, the values of changes in dynamic modules and the mechanical loss coefficient were determined in relation to the share of the crystalline and amorphous phases of artificial UHMW-PE cups, removed from the human body after different periods of exploitation under similar operating conditions. The analysis of selected strength parameters was performed at a temperature of 40 °C, which corresponds to the working conditions inside the human body. On the basis of numerical studies, the influence of changes in material parameters on the deformation of the artificial acetabulum during the patient’s motor activity, which is one of the causes of fatigue destruction, was determined.

Unexpected Repercussions of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Total Hip Arthroplasty with Cemented Hip Prosthesis versus Cementless Implants

“…Interestingly, after an initial dramatic decrease in THA numbers, of about 45% in our wards, due to sanitary restrictions, and after a reduction of beds during 2020, the hospitalization duration was reduced by almost 50%, allowing a new increase in THA procedures with comparable complication rates. Similar results were reported by several authors [ 37 , 44 ]. In their study, Gordon et al analyzed 77,797 patients who underwent elective THA in 2019 (n = 43,667) and 2020 (n = 34,130) and noticed a 24.5% decline of this procedure [ 45 ].…”

“…Internationally, degenerative OA of the hip is a constantly growing pathology, owing to an increase in life expectancy, and, therefore, it is expected that the number of cases will rise in line with the advancing age of the global population. The rapid growth of the number of joint replacement procedures, mainly THA and total knee arthroplasty, in past decades was analyzed by researchers from Poland in a recent study, and they advanced an augmentation of the number of THA from 34% in 2020 to 284% in 2040, which would generate significantly higher costs and an increasing risk of complications, often requiring repeated surgical procedures [ 37 ]. Considering that OA is a disease more frequently occurring with advanced age, many of these patients have comorbidities, especially cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and are currently treated with medication that may determine coagulation issues [ 5 , 7 , 31 , 38 ].…”

“…In a recent study [ 54 ], the risk of wear for two categories of polyethylene liners, both for CHP and CLHP as well, was analyzed by finite element analysis in 72 simulations, and cemented solution seemed superior regarding the risk of wear, with respect to the polyethylene thickness (over 5 mm was recommended) [ 54 ]. Another direction is development of superior materials and improved cements to overcome the risks of infection and prosthesis degradation [ 36 , 37 , 55 ]. Innovative techniques, such as selective laser melting technology, allowed the production of complex porous structures, mimicking the natural structure of the human bone but preserving its mechanical properties at the same time, which could be used for the production of the hip prosthesis [ 56 ].…”

Advances in Materials with Self-Healing Properties: A Brief Review

“…The industry produces several types of polymers that meet basic medical requirements. These include polylactides (for implants of various types), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (for joint endoprostheses) [50], polyamides (for surgical threads), polyurethanes (for artificial heart chambers) [51], silicone polymers with high chemical and physiological inertness and thermal stability (for cosmetic surgeries on the face and mammary glands, the manufacture of catheters, heart valves, films to protect the skin surface during burns) [52], polyisobutylene in combination with natural polymers (adhesive compositions), polyparaxylene (for suture materials), polyacrylates (for use in bone grafting as tubes for drainage of the lacrimal sac, maxillary cavity, prosthetic blood vessels, heart valves, esophagus, stomach, bladder, bile ducts, urethra, eye lens; pins and plates for fixing bones during fractures, polymer mesh "frames" for connecting intestines, tendons, trachea, etc.). Particularly high demands are placed on polymers and composites for orthopedic dentistry and maxillofacial surgery [53].…”

Polycrystalline Diamond as a Potential Material for the Hard-on-Hard Bearing of Total Hip Prosthesis: Von Mises Stress Analysis

“…Over the last few decades, polymer, metal, and ceramic have been the available material options for application consideration in the bearing of total hip prosthesis [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Each material has its advantages, polymer is capable of effective damping due to impact loads from unexpected activities [ 4 ]; metals are suitable for active younger users with high-level intensity [ 4 ]; ceramic has a smooth surface with a low coefficient of friction [ 5 ]. However, there are several serious problems found in the use of these three materials from a clinical standpoint.…”