Abstract
Hip joint replacements represent the most effective way of treatment for patients suffering from joint diseases. Despite the rapid improvement of implant materials over the last few decades, limited longevity associated with wear-related complications persists as the main drawback. Therefore, improved tribological performance is required in order to extend the service life of replacements. The effect of surface texturing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cup was investigated in the present study. Unique tilling method was utilized for manufacturing the dimples with controlled diameter and depths on the contact surface of the cup. The experiments with four commercial femoral components and two model lubricants were realized. The main attention was paid to a coefficient of friction considering the differences between the original and the dimpled cups. Results showed remarkable lowering of friction, in general. Focusing on the simulated human synovial fluid, friction was reduced by 40% (alumina ceramic), 38.8% (zirconia toughened ceramic), 25.5% (metal), and 9.9% (oxinium). In addition, the dimples helped to keep the friction stable without fluctuations. To conclude, the paper brings a new insight into frictional behaviour of the hip replacements during running-in phase which is essential for overall implant lifespan. It is believed that proper surface texturing may rapidly improve the life quality of millions of patients and may lead to considerable financial savings.
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Acknowledgements
The research was carried out under the project JSPS/OF280, PE17046 with financial support from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. This research was also supported by the project FSI-S-17-4415 with financial support from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MEYS). The study was also supported by the project LTAUSA17150 with financial support from MEYS. The authors would like to thank Kanefusa Corporation for dimple manufacturing and M. Černohlávek for his help with the experiments.
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David NEČAS. He received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic, in 2010, 2012, and 2016, respectively. His current position is an assistant professor and member of Biotribology Research Group at Institute of Machine and Industrial Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology. His research areas cover friction and lubrication of joint replacements, tribological performance of articular cartilage, and soft EHL lubrication.
Hatsuhiko USAMI. He received his B.S. degree from Meijo University, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan. From 1995, he has been working for Mechanical Engineering Department of Meijo University. His current position is a professor and a member of Materials Science and Engineering Department. His research areas focus on material design including surface modification and texturing for tribological application.
Tatsuya NIIMI. He received his B.S. degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Gifu University, Japan, in 2010. His current position is an engineer of Kanefusa Corporation. His research areas cover effects of surface texture fabricated by interrupted micro cutting on tribological properties.
Yoshinori SAWAE. He received his B.S., M.S., and Dr. Eng. degrees in mechanical engineering from Kyushu University, Japan, in 1991, 1993, and 1997, respectively. He joined Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University as a lecturer in 1996 and became a professor of Machine Elements and Design Engineering Laboratory in 2011. His primal research area is biotribology, especially working on the in vivo wear mechanism of prosthetic joint materials and the lubrication mechanism of natural synovial joint.
Ivan KŘUPKA. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic, in 1990 and 1997, respectively. His current position is a professor and head of Tribology Group, Institute of Machine and Industrial Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology. His research areas cover the mixed and elastohydrodynamic lubrication, surface texturing effect, and lubricant rheology.
Martin HARTL. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic, in 1990 and 1997, respectively. His current position is a professor and head of Institute of Machine and Industrial Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology. His research areas cover the boundary, mixed and elastohydrodynamic lubrication, roughness effect, and biotribology.
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Nečas, D., Usami, H., Niimi, T. et al. Running-in friction of hip joint replacements can be significantly reduced: The effect of surface-textured acetabular cup. Friction 8, 1137–1152 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40544-019-0351-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40544-019-0351-x