ISSN:
0021-9304
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Technology
Notes:
Loosening is a major cause of failure in total arthroplasties. The efficacy of the fixation systems depends not only on the bulk properties of the components but also on the interfaces through which they interact. This study was initiated to examine the implant/bone-cement interface for four of the most commonly used implant materials, Co—Cr—Mo, Ti—6Al-4V, 316SSLVM and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The surface preparation, specimen design, joining, and testing techniques were studied and then standardized in a manner which accurately represents current clinical procedures. The interfaces were tested for both their quasistatic and fatigue properties. Finite-element and fracture toughness analyses of the quasistatic shear specimens were performed in order to provide results of an absolute nature which could be subsequently compared to bulk material properties of bone cement. The interfaces were tested “dry” (i.e., at room temperature and 50% R.H.) and in physiological saline at 37°C. The interfaces demonstrated both fracture toughness and fatigue properties far inferior to those of bone cement. A predominantly interfacial type failure was observed using SEM fractography. The ultimate compressive strength (U.C.S.) of bone cement was measured after prolonged exposure to saline at 37°C and showed no decrease in U.C.S. suggesting that the reasons for the interface strength reductions were interfacial rather than bulk in nature. The “wetting'” ability of bone cement was measured using contact angles at various cure times on the four implant materials. These measurements showed that intimate interfacial contact is impossible with current clinical methods. This study indicates that failure of the implant/bonecement interface is likely only a short period after implantation and therefore may be a major contributor to implant loosening.
Additional Material:
16 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbm.820150205
