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Random damage and characteristics of debris particles are two important and yet ignored factors in the mechanical integrity of the stem-cement interface of a total hip replacement: influence of the surface finish of the metal stem

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Abstract

The importance of the conditions at the stem-cement interface in cemented total joint replacements (THRs) with regard to the in vivo longevity of the implant is well recognized. In the present study, we used a simplified model of one part of a cemented THR (alloy rectangular beam bonded to rectangular cement plate) to study the influence of surface finish of the alloy beam (stem) on two measures of the evolution of random damage at the alloy beam-cement plate interface (stem-cement interface), under quasi-static direct shear load. Three surface finishes of the beams were used: satin-finish, grit-blasted, and plasma-sprayed. The random damage events were monitored from the emitted acoustic signals, with the two measures computed from these signals being the intensity of random damage events (IRDE) and the mean damage event energy (MDEE). Large number of random damage events (higher values of IRDE and low value of MDEE) occurred with grit blasted specimens, suggesting a high probability for the generation of debris particles at the interface. These findings, in conjunction with details on the size and shape of the debris particles, obtained using scanning electron microscopy, lead to the suggestion that satin-finish stems are desirable for use in cemented THRs.

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Acknowledgments

The project described was supported by Grant Number AR051119 from NIH/NIAMS. The authors would like to thank Mr. Bin Zhang and Dr. Jihui Li for assisting the experimental work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA

    Gang Qi, Steven F. Wayne, Bin Zhang & Gladius Lewis

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA

    Kenneth A. Mann

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  1. Gang Qi
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  2. Steven F. Wayne
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  3. Kenneth A. Mann
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  4. Bin Zhang
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  5. Gladius Lewis
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Correspondence to Gang Qi.

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Qi, G., Wayne, S.F., Mann, K.A. et al. Random damage and characteristics of debris particles are two important and yet ignored factors in the mechanical integrity of the stem-cement interface of a total hip replacement: influence of the surface finish of the metal stem. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 21, 1385–1392 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-009-3946-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-009-3946-3

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