Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:43
Imaging of the Microstructural Failure Mechanism in the Human Hip
Published on: September 29, 2023
Failure analysis of a ceramic bearing acetabular component
Robert A Poggie1, Thomas R Turgeon, Richard D Coutts
1Zimmer Trabecular Metal Technology, 48 Horsehill Road, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, USA. bob.poggie@zimmer.com
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|February 3, 2007
Summary
High patient weight increases the risk of ceramic liner failure in total hip arthroplasty. This failure, initiated by friction and displacement, can lead to ceramic fracture, impacting implant longevity.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Total hip prostheses aim for improved longevity through alternative bearing materials.
- A prior FDA-approved study of a nonmodular acetabular component with a ceramic liner was halted due to early failures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a cementless ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty design.
- To investigate the failure mechanisms of ceramic liners in acetabular components.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 429 patients comparing experimental ceramic-on-ceramic implants with control all-polyethylene implants.
- Clinical data collection included Harris hip scores and SF-12 health surveys.
- Radiographic analysis, retrieval analysis of failed components, biomechanical testing, and finite element analysis were performed.
Main Results:
- Ceramic liner failure occurred in 14 of 315 experimental components, primarily at the ceramic-polyethylene interface.
- Patients weighing over 91 kg had a 4.76 times higher risk of ceramic liner failure.
- Retrieval analysis indicated high-friction interaction and wear at the articulation.
Conclusions:
- High patient body weight, extensive range of motion, and subluxation contribute to friction and initiate ceramic liner displacement.
- Subsequent gait mechanics exacerbate displacement, leading to liner fracture in most failed cases.
- These factors compromise the long-term performance of ceramic-on-ceramic hip implants.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Bearings: Problem Solving
Understanding the calculations and concepts related to double-collar bearings is essential for engineers and designers to optimize the performance of these components in various applications. By analyzing the bearing under different conditions, one can ensure that it can withstand the forces and moments experienced during operation. This knowledge enables better decision-making when designing and selecting bearings for specific purposes and configurations. Consider a double-collar bearing with...
01:22Bearing Stress
Bearing stress refers to the contact pressure between two separate bodies. To visualize this, imagine a bolt thrust through a plate. The bolt applies a force to the plate, which exerts an equal but opposite force back onto the bolt. This force isn't just a singular entity but a compilation of numerous smaller forces distributed across the contact surface between the bolt and the plate.
Due to the intricacy of these microforces, an average value, known as bearing stress, is often used by...
Due to the intricacy of these microforces, an average value, known as bearing stress, is often used by...
01:23Journal Bearings
Journal bearings are mechanical components that support and provide lateral stability to rotating shafts and axles. They are crucial in reducing friction, wear, and vibration in machinery such as engines, turbines, and pumps. The principle behind journal bearings is forming a thin lubricant film between the bearing surface and the rotating shaft, which minimizes direct contact and reduces frictional forces.
To better understand the concept of journal bearings, consider a rope winch with dry or...
To better understand the concept of journal bearings, consider a rope winch with dry or...
01:23Pivot Bearings
In mechanical systems, bearings are crucial in facilitating relative motion between two components while minimizing friction and wear. They help distribute various loads (radial, axial or a combination of both loads) across machinery parts, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
A pivot bearing is a specialized type of bearing designed to support axial loads on a rotating shaft. The bearing surface, or the pivot, is positioned at the end of a shaft to support the axial thrust. The pivot may...
A pivot bearing is a specialized type of bearing designed to support axial loads on a rotating shaft. The bearing surface, or the pivot, is positioned at the end of a shaft to support the axial thrust. The pivot may...