An experimental study on the wear of HDP socket in total hip arthroplasty--quantification of worn surface by SEM 3-D image analysis and effect of gamma-ray-irradiation of HDP on improving tolerance to wear
Kanao, Y.
Nihon Seikeigeka Gakkai Zasshi 66(4): 291-301
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5325 PMID: 1593200 Document Number: 398196
In order to evaluate the usefulness of gamma-ray-irradiation to improve the tolerance to wear of the sockets, the worn surface of the 2.5 M rad gamma-ray-irradiated HDP sockets after total hip arthroplasty has been quantified by a newly-developed 3 dimensional (3-D) image analysis method in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM 3-D image analysis revealed marked deformation, consisting of unevenness with about a 20-micron difference in height, of the worn surface of the ordinary HDP socket, while the same analysis revealed a smooth surface in the gamma-ray-irradiated HDP socket. The decrease in thickness of the gamma-ray-irradiated HDP socket was about 1/4 that of the ordinary HDP socket. These results indicate that SEM 3-D image analysis is capable of quantifying the morphology of the worn surface and that gamma-ray-irradiation improves the tolerance to wear of the socket, thus making its surface resistant to deformation.