Date of Award

5-2007

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Legacy Department

Bioengineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

LaBerge, Martine

Abstract

Evaluation of retrieved joint arthroplasty bearings provides unique evidence related to the physiological environment in which bearing materials are expected to perform. This dissertation describes the development of novel spatial sensors and measurement strategies for standardized, quantitative assessments of arthroplasty bearings, including total knee replacements, unicompartmental knee replacements, and total hip replacements. The approach is to assess bearings that endured a finite duration of function in patients, with particular emphasis on expanding our understanding of the biomechanical conditions specific to bearing function and wear in the physiological environment. Several quantifiable parameters are identified that prove comparable to pre-clinical in vitro tibological evaluations, including knee wear simulation and analytical modeling. These comparisons provide clinical relevance to the existing methodologies, helping to verify that the biomechanical simulations accurately represent the in vivo conditions they are meant to simulate. The broad objective of this dissertation is to improve the longevity and function of arthroplasty bearing materials and designs. Assessments from the retrieved prostheses are discussed within the context of developing comprehensive approaches for the prospective evaluation of new materials and designs in joint replacements.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.