Development of optimized epoxy graphite implant for the total hip joint

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthopedic Biomechanics

Background:

• Metal implants for total hip replacement face challenges including micromovement and mechanical property mismatch with bone.
• Current implants can lead to altered stress distribution in the femur, contributing to a reported 10% failure rate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using epoxy graphite as a novel material for hip implants.
• To optimize the mechanical properties of epoxy graphite to achieve a stress distribution in the femur similar to that of a natural bone.

Main Methods:

• Utilized reflection polariscope (photo stress) method to assess implant-bone micromovement and stress distribution under cyclic loading.
• Employed finite element analysis to optimize implant material properties for improved biomechanical performance.
• Investigated epoxy graphite as a potential implant material.

Main Results:

• Experimental and analytical methods are being used to optimize epoxy graphite's mechanical properties.
• The study aims to achieve stress distribution in the femur closer to the natural state without an implant.
• Micromovement and stress distribution are being quantified.

Conclusions:

• Epoxy graphite shows promise as an alternative implant material for total hip replacement.
• Optimization of mechanical properties is crucial for reducing stress shielding and micromovement.
• Further testing of the manufactured epoxy graphite implant is underway.