MODIFYING AND EXPANDING THE SIMULATION OF WEAR IN THE SPHERICAL JOINT WITH A POLYMERIC COMPONENT OF THE TOTAL HIP PROSTHESIS

The existing model of wear, based on the classical Archard equation, in the spherical joint of a total hip prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in combination with a metal or ceramic femoral head is modified and expanded. With this model, studies are conducted using the finite element analysis in terms of cumulative linear and volumetric wear for the ISO 14242-1 demands and additionally for the conditions during walking gait. Also they are carried out for the head diameter of 28 mm at the constant and the variable wear factor, where the variable wear factor is adopted from the modified formula for the dependence on the contact pressure.