Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2013, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (17): 3184-3191.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2013.17.019

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Friction interface characteristics of ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint

Li Qiang   

  1. Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
  • Received:2012-12-29 Revised:2013-03-05 Online:2013-04-23 Published:2013-04-23
  • About author:Li Qiang, Professor, Chief physician, Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China chasli@139.com

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint has been applied in clinic, and has advantages in surface friction, wear and lubrication, with a great potential for research and development.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surface friction, wear and lubrication characteristics of ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint.
METHODS: The researches on metal-to-high molecular weight polyethylene, metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint prostheses were analyzed to understand the structural characteristics of the alumina ceramic material, preparation process and wear parameters. The treatment effect of ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint replacement was analyzed, and compared with other prosthesis materials.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The metal-to-ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene artificial hip joint prosthesis has the poor wear resistance, so the wear particles often go into the joint and surrounding tissue, and resulting in osteolysis and loosening. Metal-on-metal artificial hip joint prosthesis has better wear resistance than metal-to-ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene artificial hip joint prosthesis and has lower incidence of osteolysis. However, as the wear particles can be dispersed in various organs in the body and body fluids, the allergic reactions and toxicity should be avoided. The in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint prosthesis has good surface friction, wear and lubrication performance. Clinical long-term follow-up results show that there is no wear particle after ceramic-on-ceramic hip joint prosthesis replacement and thus no osteolysis can be observed. For the younger patients and the patients have higher requirements on hip activity, ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint is preferred. With the development of the design and materials of ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint prosthesis, the long-term clinical efficacy of ceramic-on-ceramic artificial hip joint prosthesis will be more satisfactory through improving the mechanical properties of the prosthesis, as well as the wear resistance and lubrication mechanism of friction interface.

Key words: bone and joint implants, academic discussion of bone and joint implants, friction interface, joint wear, joint lubrication, wear debris, artificial hip prosthesis, metal material, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, ceramic biomaterials, alumina ceramic

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