Postimplantation Changes in Components of Hip Endoprostheses

Abstract

Surface deformation relief (SDR) of the contact areas of a hip joint endoprosthesis subjected to wear was studied at different structural levels using laser scanning microscopy. Quantitative comparative 3D analysis of the SDR parameters characterizing postimplantation changes in components of the implant was performed. It was found that wear of the kinematic unit was eccentric and heterogeneous. Deep local surface changes were mainly observed at the upper pole of the head and the insert. The bottom segments of the insert remained intact even after long-term use of the tribological pair. The SDR of these segments remained intact.