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DTI
MEASUREMENT, TESTING AND STANDARDS PROGRAMME
- PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Orthopaedic Applications Of Materials Rationale: The current CAM1 project measures the extent and rate of wear in UHMWPE / metal bearing hip joints, and the number, size and shape of the UHMWPE particle debris produced. Of particular importance in biological systems are not only the number, size and shape of the particles present, but also their chemical and physical properties and their resulting biological activity. It is this latter property, frequently closely linked to the former attributes, which is a major determinant of the life of an implant. It is essential to measure the properties of materials in their functional state and in particular the properties of wear particles that lead to osteolysis and the shortening of implant life. Such measurements, test methods and models will support the development of new innovative learning systems for joint replacement prostheses with osteolysis-free lifetimes. Objectives: 1. To measure the chemical and physical properties of the wear debris particles produced in hip and knee joint prostheses with the current UHMWPE bearing surface and with alternative bearing surfaces and coatings. 2. To develop and evaluate in vitro test systems for the determination of the functional biocompatability of wear debris particles. 3. To measure the biological activity of the debris particles produced in the above joint systems. 4. To correlate the above parameters to enable short term tests to deliver results that are clinically significant and predictive of the life time performance of prosthetic joint systems. Industrial contribution: Industrial contributions are expected in the form of hip and knee prostheses for evaluation and testing, plus advice and information about in-vivo performance of devices. The value of this is estimated at about £140,000. Cash contributions, e.g. from attendance at seminars, is also expected. Output targets: The deliverables from this work will be: • four new test methods, and accompanying guides as to their use and application; • one model which predicts clinical performance disseminated to 300 materials suppliers, prosthetic manufacturers, research and technical support organisations and orthopaedic surgeons; • one seminar attended by 100 representatives from materials suppliers, prosthetic manufacturers, research and technical support organisations and orthopaedic departments; • eight scientific papers and articles for the medical press. Beneficiaries: The principal beneficiaries of this work will be the manufacturers of orthopaedic devices and the UK National Health Service through the improved performance of prosthetic joints. The work is also relevant to those who supply materials for the manufacture of these devices and orthopaedic surgeons involved in the prosthetic surgery. There will also be a significant improvement in the quality of life of UK citizens in need of prosthetic surgery. |
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