Effects of select fluids on the friction of metal-on-polyethylene joint replacement surfaces

Lubricants are important factors in the tribology of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) surfaces, which are primarily comprised of a polished metallic or ceramic component articulating on an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (PE) surface. Wear particles released from the PE surface are the primary cause of TJA failure. The human body responds to the foreign, micro- scale particles by activating a cascade of cytokine responses that ultimately leads to osteolysis and aseptic loosening. Although research in the materials selection and design of TJA components is continually advancing, one of the major intrinsic components that affect the tribological response in joints is overlooked. In particular, the properties and composition of joint fluid directly affect the fluid film and boundary lubrication of artificial prostheses. Since the characteristics of joint fluids are likely to differ from patient to patient as a result of varying disease indications, age, health, gender, and activity level, tribological behavior is also likely to vary significantly. The primary objective of this thesis is to examine the effects of variation in joint fluid composition on tribology. Due to the relative high stresses applied to the knee, the tribological effects related specifically to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are investigated in detail. Before any joint fluid samples are examined, however, an assay capable of determining appropriate tribological properties is adapted. A unidirectional pin-on-disk (POD) tribometer is therefore selected to measure friction between PE and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy (Co-Cr). Its sufficient precision, short testing time-frame and low cost enables rapid evaluations.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Chang, Timothy C. (Timothy Chan), 1979-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Myron Spector.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/30318

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/30318