Force-controlled dynamic wear testing of total ankle replacements. (15th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reinders, Jörn; von Stillfried, Falko; Altan, Emel; Sonntag, Robert; Heitzmann, Daniel W.W.; Kretzer, Jan Philippe
• Is Part Of: Acta biomaterialia. Volume 12(2015)
• Page Start: 332
• Page End: 340
• Publication Date: 2015-01-15
• Subjects: Wear -- Ankle replacement -- Ankle arthroplasty -- Wear particles -- Wear simulation; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.10.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-7061

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Abstract: Currently, our knowledge of wear performance in total ankle replacements is limited. The aim of this study is to develop a scenario for force-controlled testing and wear testing of total ankle replacements. A force-controlled wear test was developed: based on cadaver measurements, the passive stabilization (ligaments and soft tissue) of the ankle joint was characterized and a restraint model for ankle stabilization was developed. Kinematics and kinetics acting at the replaced ankle joint were defined based on literature data and gait analysis. Afterwards, force-controlled wear testing was carried out on a mobile, three-component, total ankle replacement design. Wear was assessed gravimetrically and wear particles were analyzed. Wear testing resulted in a mean wear rate of 18.2 ± 1.4 mm 3 /10 6 cycles. Wear particles showed a mean size of 0.23 μm with an aspect ratio of 1.61 ± 0.96 and a roundness of 0.62 ± 0.14. Wear testing of total ankle replacement shows that a relevant wear mass is generated with wear particles in a biologically relevant size range. The developed wear test provides a basis for future wear testing of total ankle replacements.