In Vitro Analysis of Wearing of Hip Joint Prostheses Composed of Different Contact Materials

Abstract

Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) and ceramic are the two most common materials for the femoral head in hip joint prostheses, and the acetabular liner is typically made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), or highly cross-linked polyethylene blended with Vitamin E (VEXLPE). The selection of suitable materials should consider both wear performance and cost-effectiveness. This study compared the wear rate between different friction pairs using a hip joint simulator and then recommended a suitable prosthesis based on the corresponding processing technology and cost. All wear simulations were performed in accordance with ISO 14242, using the same hip joint simulator and same test conditions. This study found that when using the same material for the femoral head, the XLPE and VEXLPE liners had a lower wear rate than the UHMWPE liners, and the wear rate of the XLPE liners increased after blending with Vitamin E (VEXLPE). There was no significant difference in the wear rate of XLPE when using a CoCrMo or ceramic head. Considering the wear rate and cost-effectiveness, a CoCrMo femoral head with an accompanying XLPE liner is recommended as the more suitable combination for hip prostheses.