In-vitro simulation of fracture, wear, corrosion and distraction in total hip replacements

Reports of in vivo total hip replacement failures have raised concerns over their load bearing capacity, safety, reliability and service life particularly as hip arthroplasty is being extended to even younger patients. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure continual patient monitoring and develop proper testing standards. This study focuses on investigating retrievals and in vitro test samples with the objective of ensuring accurate simulation of in vivo conditions in a lab setting. Both currently used neck materials, Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo will be investigated. Fatigue life, corrosion and wear damage as well as distraction forces will be studied. Optical and scanning electron microscopy will be used to analyze damage and fracture features allowing direct comparison between retrievals and in vitro test samples on one hand, and Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo necks on the other hand. The study will serve as benchmark to test and improve implant performance and life through modification of implantation technique, neck material and design.

Faculty Supervisor:

Drs. Michel Nganbe & Isabelle Catelas

Student:

Gregory Stephen McAllister & Fahad Aljenaei

Partner:

Ottawa Hospital

Discipline:

Engineering - biomedical

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Ottawa