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Jawahir,Puleo,Pienkowski,Deshpande
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Improved Machining of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
| CO-PI(s): | I.S. Jawahir |
| Oscar Dillon, Jr. |
| Dr. Pienkowski |
University of Kentucky
Total hip replacement has improved the quality of life for millions of people. An estimated 220,000 procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2003, a 14% increase from the previous year. Most commonly in the U.S., a metallic femoral (leg) component rubs on a polymeric acetabular (pelvic) piece. This combination results in formation of abundant polymer particles that eventually cause failure of the implant. With the goal of minimizing wear and the resultant formation of particles, metal-on-metal implants have received increased attention. They do not avoid generation of wear debris, however. We believe it is possible to apply our knowledge of biomaterials and advanced manufacturing techniques to machine metallic implants to change the surface properties of the components and reduce generation of wear particles. In the proposed work, a multidisciplinary team with expertise in biomaterials, biomechanics, and manufacturing techniques will develop methods for machining Co-Cr-Mo alloys, which are commonly used in metal-on-metal joint replacements. The ultimate aim is to demonstrate that advanced machining methodologies can be used to manufacture implants having reduced wear without the need for time-consuming and costly post-machining heat treatments.
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