Specimen-Specific Finite Element Models for Predicting Fretting Wear in Total Hip Arthroplasty Tapers

Abstract

Products from fretting wear and corrosion in the taper junction of total hip arthroplasty (THA) devices can lead to adverse local tissue reactions. Predicting damage as a function of design parameters would aid in the development of more robust devices. The objectives of this study were to develop an automated method for identifying areas of fretting wear on THA taper junctions, and to assess the predictive ability of a finite element model to simulate fretting wear in THA taper junctions. THA constructs were fatigue loaded, thus inducing damage on the stem taper. An automated imaging and analysis algorithm quantified fretting wear on the taper surfaces. Specimen-specific finite element models were used to calculate fretting work done (FWD) at the taper junction. Simulated FWD was correlated to imaged fretting wear. Results showed that the automated imaging approach identified fretting wear on the taper surface. Additionally, finite element models showed the greatest predictive ability for tapers exhibiting distal contact. Finite element models predicted an average of 30.3% of imaged fretting wear. With additional validation, the imaging and finite element techniques may be useful to manufacturers and regulators in the development and review of new THA devices.

Corrosion of Metals During Use in Arthroplasty

“…120 The advances in finite element methods can also be explored in the accurate prediction of surface modifications in implant components. 121…”

“…In addition, the use of microarc oxidation in combination with superhydrophobic surface chemical treatment has been depicted to simultaneously enhance corrosion resistance and hemocompatibility properties of Ti6Al4V surfaces . The advances in finite element methods can also be explored in the accurate prediction of surface modifications in implant components. , …”