Transfer of metallic debris from the metal surface of an acetabular cup to artificial femoral heads by scraping: comparison between alumina and cobalt-chrome heads.
We aimed to investigate the transfer of metal to both ceramic (alumina) and metal (cobalt-chrome) heads that were scraped by a titanium alloy surface under different load conditions. The ceramic and metal heads for total hip arthroplasties were scraped by an acetabular metal shell under various loads using a creep tester. Microstructural changes in the scraped area were visualized with a scanning electron microscope, and chemical element changes were assessed using an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Changes in the roughness of the scraped surface were evaluated by a three-dimensional surface profiling system. Metal transfer to the ceramic and metal heads began to be detectable at a 10 kg load, which could be exerted by one-handed force. The surface roughness values significantly increased with increasing test loads in both heads. When the contact force increased, scratching of the head surface occurred in addition to the transfer of metal. The results documented that metallic debris was transferred from the titanium alloy acetabular shell to both ceramic and metal heads by minor scraping. This study suggests that the greatest possible effort should be made to protect femoral heads, regardless of material, from contact with metallic surfaces during total hip arthroplasty.
Chang
Chong Bum
CB
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea.
Yoo
Jeong Joon
JJ
Song
Won Seok
WS
Kim
Deug Joong
DJ
Koo
Kyung-Hoi
KH
Kim
Hee Joong
HJ
D000077:Acetabulum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D002858:Chromium Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005270:Femur Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
D000497:Alloys; D002858:Chromium Alloys; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D008670:Metals; C031462:titanium alloy (TiAl6V4); D014025:Titanium; D000537:Aluminum Oxide