Proof of Concept of a New Revision Procedure for Ceramic Inlays of Acetabular Cups Using a Shape-Memory Alloy Actuator System

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Christian Rotsch - , Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology, University Hospital Leipzig (Author)
  • Karoline Kemter-Esser - , Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (Author)
  • Johanna Dohndorf - , Chair of Biomedical Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (Author)
  • Kerstin Funke - , Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (Author)
  • Christoph-Eckhard Heyde - , University Hospital Leipzig (Author)
  • Welf-Guntram Drossel - , Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

The revision of ceramic inlays of acetabular cups is a challenging surgical procedure. The mechanical impact during the inlay extraction process can damage the ceramic or metal cup rim. To avoid these risks, a concept for a new revision procedure was developed. It is based on an actuator system, which allows a non-destructive release of the ceramic inlay. To integrate the actuator system, different design concepts of acetabular cup components were investigated, and an actuator based on shape-memory alloy (SMA) wires was developed. The process chain for the actuator, starting from nickel-titanium wires manufactured into the actuator geometry by laser welding and thermo-mechanical treatment for the shape setting process up to the functionality evaluation of the actuator system, was implemented on a laboratory scale. The new revision procedure is based on a phase transformation of the SMA wire actuator, which was obtained through two methods—applying an electrical current by an instrument and rinsing the wire with heated water. The phase transformation of the actuator resulted in a contraction between 3.2% and 4.3% compared to its length after pre-stretching and was able to release the ceramic inlay from the cup. Therefore, the developed actuator design and process chain is a proof of concept towards a new revision procedure for modular acetabular cups.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number868
JournalBioengineering
Volume11
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 27 Aug 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

unpaywall 10.3390/bioengineering11090868

Keywords