Abstract
Abstract
A study of surface contact and separation of ceramic-on-ceramic joints was undertaken in 25 per cent bovine serum using a hip simulator. An electrical resistivity technique was used to detect the extent of surface separation throughout a complete walking cycle. The femoral and acetabular components were coated in a thin conducting film of titanium nitride to allow application of the resistivity technique to non-conducting ceramic.
Surface separation of the acetabular and femoral components was detected throughout each simulated walking cycle. Fluctuations in the applied voltage across the joint were observed which could not be attributed to elastohydrodynamic or squeeze-film lubrication effects. The probable cause of the voltage fluctuations was brief and occasional contact between the surfaces caused by a combination of asperity contact and subsequent detachment of the conductive coating.
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