Effects of physiological environment on tribological behavior of prosthetic joint materials

Yoshinori Sawae, Teruo Murakami, Seido Yarimitsu, Kazuhiro Nakashima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study, we focused on effects of protein and lipid molecules involved in the physiological environment of synovial joints on tribological behavior of materials used in articular surfaces of joint prostheses. Friction and wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, still the most popular bearing material for current artificial joint, and hydrogel artificial cartilage are evaluated experimentally in the various test lubricants prepared to have different compositions and effects of protein and lipid concentrations of the used lubricant are examined. Results indicated that the friction and wear of UHMWPE increased with increasing the protein concentration of test lubricants. The lipid concentration also had certain effects on the wear amount. On the other hand, protein molecules could reduce friction and wear of hydrogel artificial cartilage.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)PD-5-PD-6
JournalTransactions of Japanese Society for Medical and Biological Engineering
Volume52
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 17 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biomedical Engineering

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