A pilot study: development of bonepreserving- biomimetic artificial femoral head cover

Abstract

Patients with hip arthrosis are increasing each year where total hip replacement is an effective solution when other non-invasive or surgical methods are no longer an effective solution. A pilot study of a new bone-preserving-biomimetic artificial femoral head cover was initiated. The purpose of the new implant is to be an alternative to the current hip arthroplasties. A special polyurethane (PU) femoral head cover was mechanically tested. Experiments were performed to investigate the implants mechanical behaviour and response to tensile load and study on the locking mechanism design concept of the prosthesis. The femoral head cover had a 45 mm outer diameter. Two suture techniques were selected to represent possible locking mechanisms. The experiment consisted of five cyclic loadings followed by a pull-to-failure test. The results show that each specimen has a consistency response and different suture technique results in a different outcome. This experiment intended to study the response of specimens as a whole part, not the material itself. Factors are influencing the outcome such as the femoral head cover positioning and suture rupture pattern. From this pilot study, some points need to be further considered. The information obtained in this experiment would influence further development achieving towards the goal of this alternative hip arthrosis treatment.

Keywords

• hip arthroplasty
• hip prosthesis
• femoral head prosthesis