The effects of blood and fat on Morse taper disassembly forces

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2009 Apr;38(4):187-90.

Abstract

Biological debris between modular components using Morse tapers in hip arthroplasty can lead to weakening of the implant construct. We conducted a study to determine the effect of blood and fat within the taper interface. Tapers were divided into groups 1 (clean), 2 (surface covered with blood and fat), and 3 (blood and fat wiped off). Each taper was impacted and disassembled 5 times. There was a difference in mean disassembly force between pulls within group 2. Thus, blood and fat contamination can have a significant effect on the potential for disassembly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / instrumentation
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / methods*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Blood*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Hip Prosthesis
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Titanium

Substances

  • Titanium