The measurement and effects of friction and wear in artificial hip joints

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Abstract
The two systems for artificial hip joints in use at present are metal‐on‐metal and metal‐on‐plastic. There are many variables affecting friction and wear, which include diameter, sphericity, relative geometry of the components, and surface roughness. Tests in a simulating machine incorporated cyclic load and motion. Frictional torque of metal‐on‐plastic joints increased with diameter; Charnley 22 mm diameter producing lowest friction. For metal‐on‐metal the contact situation produced variable results, but friction was higher than for the plastic joints. Reciprocating friction machine tests suggested that high molecular weight polyethylene and AP4 polyester gave low friction and wear. Vitallium gave at least three times the friction of the plastic using γ‐globulin solution as lubricant; but wear appeared to be much less.