TRIBOLOGICAL STUDIES OF JOINT ARTHROPLASTIES

Total joint replacement is a successful clinical intervention. However, aseptic loosening due to wear related particulate debris is still one of the most frequent reasons for late revision of total joint replacement. This lecture gives an overview about the application of methods to study wear and friction in total joint replacements (e.g. hip, knee, shoulder). This involves complex joint simulation conditions as well as analytical assessments. Regarding joint simulation the focus will be on ligament stabilized joints. New approaches will be shown and discussed. Furthermore, analytical methods to study the release of wear products in term of solid particles and soluble complexes like metal ions will be presented.