Artificial Hip Replacement - Case Study Example

Mechanical characteristics – these materials must exhibit characteristics that enhance the functioning of the particular component which they are used to make. Tensile strength of materials, for example, remains an important characteristic for materials used in making the femoral stem of the artificial joint. The mechanical characteristics are the main causes of failures commonly observed in these joints.

Material density and reproducibility – are essential elements of concern because of the need to make repairs to artificial joints that might be damaged. The prosthetic quality of the material must remain consistent to make repairing easy, should damage to the joints occur.

Magnetism – when seeking to establish an appropriate material for artificial hip replacement materials it is important to consider the magnetism of the materials. The material utilized for this function should not exhibit any ferromagnetic behaviors (Gibbons, 33). This is mainly because of the requirements to use MRI spectroscopy to study the joint in the future. Magnetic materials make this spectroscopy method inapplicable.

Toxicity – artificial materials sometimes produce toxic substances which could affect body parts. The reaction of some materials with the body parts commonly results in the generation of toxic substances which harm the body parts next to the artificial implant.

1. Components found in the artificial hip replacement

Femoral stem – the femoral stem fits into the femur bone. There is a need to make considerations of the corrosion characteristics of the materials which are utilized in the manufacturing of the femoral stem. Cobalt chromium and titanium are the major alloy components for the material which is utilized for making this component. This alloy remains highly resistant to corrosion and fatigue which results from increased use of the joint.

Ball – the main consideration for the ball is the resulting friction on the component which comes from use. The ball is commonly made from softer materials like ceramic rather than a similar alloy as that of the femoral stem

Acetabular cup – this is the component used in connecting the artificial joint to the hip socket. Since there is increased friction in the occupation of the cup, the materials specifications demand an inert material to make this component (Gibbons, 34). The component is mainly made of biocompatible alloys which are inert and possess limited frictional capabilities to minimize the friction within the socket.

Fixation agent – this is referred to as the component which is utilized in fixing and bonding the artificial materials to the natural joint for effective functioning. The fixation is utilized in securing attachment of the femoral stem to the femur to avoid loosening and damage of the joint. The resources utilized in the making of the fixation must be compatible with both the bine and artificial materials making the femoral stem of the joint. The most common fixation agent remains poly acrylic bone cement, which is reinforced through coating with porous surface of metal powder.