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No description available.

Despite the high success rates of hip replacements, implant-wear mediated periprosthetic osteolysis remains the most prominent cause of long-term implant failure. Other adverse tissue reactions including hypersensitivity reactions and pseudotumors have also recently been reported as a cause for short-term implant failures. The objectives of this thesis were: 1.) To analyze the effects of Co2+ and Cr3+ released from CoCrMo alloys used in hip implants on macrophage chemokine release; 2.) To determine if Co2+, Cr3+, and the chemokines in cultures of macrophages exposed to Co2+ and Cr3+ can induce migration of T and B lymphocytes; and 3) To analyze the potential modulation of macrophage response to Cr3+ using simvastatin as an anti-inflammatory agent. Results showed that the release of TNF–α and CC chemokines were ion-specific and dose-dependent. Results also suggested that Co2+ and Cr3+ may be capable of directly stimulating the migration of T cells, but not that of B cells, suggesting the potential of these ions to create a micro-environment that would favour a T cell-mediated response in vivo. Results also showed that simvastatin was capable of decreasing chemokine release in macrophages exposed to Cr3+, suggesting its potential to modulate the Cr3+-induced inflammatory response. Together, these studies improve the understanding of the role metal ions play in ion-mediated adverse tissue reactions and potential therapies that may modulate the immune response to metal ions.

First devised over half a century ago, metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) hip prostheses have become the gold standard for total hip arthroplasty (THA), a surgical intervention for degenerative hip joint conditions. The accumulation of polyethylene wear debris after long-term, in vivo articulations, can induce adverse cellular reactions, osteolysis and aseptic loosening of the implant – ultimately resulting in the failure of the THA. Despite the distinct differences between the biotribology of MoP and MoM prostheses, there is a lack of congruent high resolution research investigating the biotribological interactions and surface structures of MoP hip prosthesis components. This study characterized the surface and subsurface microstructural changes in failed MoP hip prosthesis retrievals using advanced electron microscopy techniques. The samples were comprised of retrieved metallic cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy femoral head components, one ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cup component, and unused CoCrMo reference samples. The surface of the reference samples contained linear, parallel, uniform scratches as a result of the manufacturing process; whereas the surface of the retrieval samples were covered in an abundance of scratches and a layer of residual deposits, attributable to in vivo articulation of the implant. Characteristic hard phases were observed and examined on the surface and from the cross-sectional preparation of the cast CoCrMo samples. The multiphasic hard phases on the cast samples can strengthen the material but also be sites of crack propagation and material detachment, contributing to the generation of wear particles. Lastly, a nanocrystalline layer, 20 to 400 nm in thickness was observed in the subsurface microstructure of all samples (including references). Previous MoM studies suggest that the nanocrystalline layer is a result of dynamic crystallization in response to multidirectional, chronic loading in vivo, however, the presence of the layer in the unimplanted references suggest that the nanocrystalline layer can be formed during the production of the prosthesis component and therefore, pre-exists implantation. The imperfections on new, unused implants can have protective effects (e.g. troughs from scratches can be a reservoir for wear debris) but may influence in vivo wear processes after implantation (e.g. scratches may be a source of wear debris). Higher resolution analyses on more retrieval and reference samples are required to pinpoint the exact mechanism of failure in MoP hip prostheses and extend the longevity and efficacy of THA. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The present research focuses on analyzing the possibility of implementing three dimensional woven composite (3DWC) materials in hip implants. The integration of 3DWCs in hip implants has the possibility to both extend the life-time and improve patient outcomes; by spatially varying mechanical properties to meet both biological needs as well as required mechanical loading. In this study, the bulk material properties of 3DWCs were varied based on woven composite architecture and determined using physics based models, which reflect the realistic geometries of fibers in compaction and preform. The multi-digital chain method combined with Extended Finite Elemental Analysis (XFEA) are adopted in this micro-analysis for composite design. Four different woven architectures with a combination of different existing biocompatible fiber and resins are considered in this study. The main objective is to assess the mechanical response of these biocompatible materials in the design of 3D woven architectures and determine their ability to match the required modulus at different regions of a hip implant. Results obtained show 3DWCs are viable candidates for this application. Multiple architectures and materials chosen, were able to achieve the desired mechanical response. Additional studies can use these results as a starting point and framework for further mechanical and biological testing.