Aims. In the native hip, the hip capsular ligaments tighten at the limits of range of hip motion and may provide a passive stabilizing force to protect the hip against edge loading. In this study we quantified the stabilizing force vectors generated by capsular ligaments at extreme range of motion (ROM), and examined their ability to prevent edge loading. Methods. Torque-rotation curves were obtained from nine cadaveric hips to define the rotational restraint contributions of the capsular ligaments in 36 positions. A ligament model was developed to determine the line-of-action and effective moment arms of the medial/lateral iliofemoral, ischiofemoral, and pubofemoral ligaments in all positions. The functioning ligament forces and stiffness were determined at 5 Nm rotational restraint. In each position, the contribution of engaged capsular ligaments to the joint reaction force was used to evaluate the net force vector generated by the capsule. Results. The medial and lateral arms of the iliofemoral ligament generated the highest inbound force vector in positions combining extension and adduction providing anterior stability. The ischiofemoral ligament generated the highest inbound force in flexion with adduction and internal rotation (FADIR), reducing the risk of posterior dislocation. In this position the hip joint reaction force moved 0.8° inbound per Nm of internal capsular restraint, preventing edge loading. Conclusion. The capsular ligaments contribute to keep the joint force vector inbound from the edge of the acetabulum at extreme ROM. Preservation and appropriate tensioning of these structures following any type of hip surgery may be crucial to minimizing complications related to joint instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(9):594–601

Introduction. Edge loading is a common wear mechanism in Metal-on-Metal (MOM) hip resurfacing and is associated with higher wear rates and the incidence of pseudotumour. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to investigate the contributions of patient, surgical and implant design variables on the risk of edge loading. Method. We created a mathematical model to calculate the distance from the head-cup contact patch to the rim of the cup and used this to investigate the effect of component position, specific design features and patient activity on the risk of edge loading. We then used this method to calculate the contact patch to rim distance (CPRD) for 160 patients having undergone revision of their MOM hip resurfacing in order to identify any possible associations. Results. We identified several variables that reduce the CPRD and increase the risk of edge loading, including; increased cup anteversion and inclination, activities involving increased hip flexion, reduced clearance, reduced hip diameter and reduced cup arc angle. We also determined the threshold cup orientation for edge loading for five resurfacing designs (Figure 1). In patients with failed MOM hip resurfacings, there was a significant correlation between CPRD and both component wear rates (Figure 2) and blood metal ion levels (all p < 0.005). The ASR was associated with increased wear, reduced CPRD, and increased prevalence of edge loading (all p < 0.05). Conclusions. Edge loading is common and difficult to avoid in MOM hip resurfacing. Whilst some designs, such as the ASR, are more susceptible to edge loading, all are unforgiving of suboptimal cup position. Furthermore, common activities involving flexion of the hip result in edge loading even in patients with a well-positioned cup

Non-optimal clinical alignment of components in total hip replacements (THRs) may lead to edge loading of the acetabular cup liner. This has the potential to cause changes to the liner rim not accounted for in standard wear models. A greater understanding of the material behaviours could be beneficial to design and surgical guidance for THR devices. The aim of this research was to combine finite element (FE) modelling and experimental simulation with microstructural assessment to examine material behaviour changes during edge loading. A dynamic deformable FE model, matching the experimental conditions, was created to simulate the stress strain environment within liners. Five liners were tested for 4Mc (million cycles) of standard loading (ISO14242:1) followed by 3Mc of edge loading with dynamic separation (ISO14242:4) in a hip simulator. Microstructural measurements by Raman spectroscopy were taken at unloaded and highly loaded rim locations informed by FE results. Gravimetric and geometric measurements were taken every 1Mc cycles. Under edge loading, peak Mises stress and plastic deformation occur below the surface of the rim during heel strike. After 7Mc, microstructural analysis determined edge loaded regions had an increased crystalline mass fraction compared to unloaded regions (p<0.05). Gravimetric wear rates of 12.5mm. 3. /Mc and 22.3mm. 3. /Mc were measured for standard and edge loading respectively. A liner penetration of 0.37mm was measured after 7Mc. Edge loading led to an increase in gravimetric wear rate indicating a different wear mechanism is occurring. FE and Raman results suggest that changes to material behaviour at the rim could be possible. These methods will now be used to assess more liners and over a larger number of cycles. They have potential to explore the impact of edge loading on different surgical and patient variables

Variations in component positioning of total hip replacements can lead to edge loading of the liner, and potentially affect device longevity. These effects are evaluated using ISO 14242:4 edge loading test results in a dynamic system. Mediolateral translation of one of the components during testing is caused by a compressed spring, and therefore the kinematics will depend on the spring stiffness and damping coefficient, and the mass of the translating component and fixture. This study aims to describe the sensitivity of the liner plastic strain to these variables, to better understand how tests using different simulator designs might produce different amounts of liner rim deformation. A dynamic explicit deformable finite element model with 36mm Pinnacle metal-on-polyethylene bearing geometry (DePuy Synthes, Leeds, UK) was used with material properties for conventional UHMWPE. Setup was 65° clinical inclination, 4mm mismatch, 70N swing phase load, and 100N/mm spring. Fixture mass was varied from 0.5-5kg, spring damping coefficient was varied from 0-2Ns/mm. They were changed independently, and in combination. Maximum separation values were relatively insensitive to changes in the mass, damping coefficient, or both. The sensitivity of peak plastic strain, to this range of inputs, was similar to changing the swing phase load from 70N to approximately 150N – 200N. Increasing the fixture mass and/or damping coefficient increased the peak plastic strain, with values from 0.15-0.19. Liner plastic deformation was sensitive to the spring damping and fixture mass, which may explain some of the differences in fatigue and deformation results in UHMWPE liners tested on different machines or with modified fixtures. These values should be described when reporting the results of ISO14242:4 testing. Acknowledgements. Funded by EPSRC grant EP/N02480X/1; CAD supplied by DePuy Synthes

Introduction and Aims. Clinically many factors such as variations in surgical positioning, and patients' anatomy and biomechanics can affect the occurrence and severity of edge loading which may have detrimental effect on the wear and durability of the implant. Assessing wear of hundreds of combinations of conditions would be impractical, so a preclinical testing approach was followed where the occurrence and severity of edge loading can be determined using short biomechanical tests. Then, selected conditions can be chosen under which the wear can be determined. If a wear correlation with the magnitude of dynamic separation or the severity of edge loading can be shown, then an informed decision can be made based upon the biomechanical results to only select important variables under which the tribological performance of the implant can be assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the wear of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings and the (1) magnitude of dynamic separation, (2) the maximum force reached during edge loading and (3) the severity of edge loading resulting from component translational mismatch between the head and cup centres. Methods. The Leeds II hip joint simulator with a standard walking cycle and 36mm diameter ceramic-on-ceramic bearings (BIOLOX. ®. delta, DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction, Leeds, UK.) were used. The study was in two parts. Part one: a biomechanical study where the dynamic separation, the maximum load during edge loading, and the duration of edge loading alongside the magnitude of forces under edge loading (severity of edge loading) were assessed. Part two; a wear study where the wear rates of the bearing surfaces were assessed under a series of input conditions. These input testing conditions included inclining the acetabular cups at 45° and 65° cup inclination angle (in-vivo equivalent), with 2, 3, and 4mm medial-lateral component mismatch between the centres of the head and the cup. This equated to six conditions being assessed, each with three repeats for the biomechanical test, and six repeats completed for the wear study. The severity of edge loading was assessed as described in Equation 1. Severity of Edge Loading = ∫. t. t0. F(x) dx + ∫. t. t0. F(y) dy … Equation 1,. where F(x) is the axial load, F(y) is the medial-lateral load and t-t0 is the duration of edge loading. The wear of the ceramic bearings were determined using gravimetric analysis (XP205, Mettler Toledo, UK). Results. The wear rates of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings increased as the magnitude of dynamic separation (Figure 1), the maximum load at the rim during edge loading (Figure 2), and the severity of edge loading (Figure 3) increased. The magnitude of dynamic separation was found to have the highest correlation to the wear rate under the conditions tested in this study (R. 2. =0.94). Conclusions. A preclinical testing approach has been developed to understand the occurrence and severity of edge loading associated with variation of component positioning. A good correlation was found between the wear rates obtained for ceramic-on-ceramic bearings and the magnitude of parameters obtained under edge loading during a short-term biomechanical study. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

Introduction. Variations in component position can lead to dynamic separation and edge loading conditions. In vitro methods have been developed to simulate edge loading conditions and replicate stripe wear, increased wear rate, and bimodal wear debris size distribution, as observed clinically [1, 2]. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of translational and rotational positioning on the occurrence of dynamic separation and severity of edge loading, and then investigate the wear rates under the most severe separation and edge loading conditions on an electromechanical hip joint simulator. Materials and Methods. A hip joint simulator (ProSim EM13, Simulation Solutions, UK) was set up with 36mm diameter ceramic-on-ceramic (BIOLOX®delta, PINNACLE®, DePuy Synthes, UK) hip replacements. Three axes of rotation conditions (ISO 14242-1 [3]) was applied to the femoral head. This study was in two parts. I) A biomechanical test was carried out at 45° (n=3) and 65° (n=3) cup inclination angles with 1, 2, 3 and 4 (mm) medial-lateral translational mismatch between the centres of the head and cup. The amount of dynamic separation displacement between the head and cup was measured using a position sensor. The severity of edge loading was determined from the area under the axial force and medial-lateral force outputs during the time of separation [4]. II) A wear test was carried out at 45° (n=6) and 65° (n=6) cup inclination angles for three million cycles with translational mismatch of 4mm between the head and cup. The lubricant used was diluted new-born calf serum (25% v/v). Volumetric wear measurements were undertaken at one million cycle intervals and mean wear rates were calculated with 95% confidence limits. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA and a t-test with significance levels taken at p<0.05. Results. Dynamic separation increased significantly with 3mm (p<0.01) and 4mm (p<0.01) translational mismatch at a 45° cup inclination angle (Figure 1). At 65° the separation increased significantly as the translational mismatch increased from 1mm to 4mm (p<0.01). The most severe edge loading conditions occurred at a 65° cup inclination angle with 4mm of translational mismatch (p<0.01, Figure 2). Mean wear rates were greater at a 65° cup inclination angle compared with a 45° cup inclination angle (p<0.01, Figure 3). Conclusion. Different levels of rotational and translational mismatch affected the separation between the head and cup during gait. Higher levels of translational mismatch and a steeper cup inclination angle may lead to more severe edge loading conditions and increased wear of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in vivo. A new preclinical testing approach was developed to study the effects of edge loading due to variations in rotational and translational surgical positioning under ISO loading and angular displacement conditions. The first stage comprised of biomechanical tests to determine the occurrence and severity of edge loading in a range of component positions. The second stage investigated the tribological performance of the bearing surface under the worst case edge loading conditions

Introduction. Edge loading of hip replacements may result in plastic deformation, creep and wear at the rim of the cup and potentially fatigue failure. Variations in component positioning can lead to dynamic separation and edge loading [1]. The aim of this study was firstly to investigate the effects of translational and rotational positioning on the dynamic separation and severity of edge loading, and secondly to determine the wear rates of metal-on-polyethylene bearings under the more severe separation and edge loading conditions. Materials and Methods. A hip joint simulator (ProSim EM13, Simulation Solutions, UK) was set up with 36mm diameter metal-on-polyethylene hip replacements (Marathon™, DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction, Leeds, UK). This study was in two parts. I) A biomechanical test was carried out at 45° (n=3) and 65° (n=3) cup inclination angles with 1, 2, 3 and 4 (mm) medial-lateral translational mismatch between the head and cup centres. The severity of edge loading was calculated from the area under the axial force and medial-lateral force outputs during the time of separation when the load was acting on the edge of the cup [2]. II) For two conditions (two million cycles), the head and cup were concentric for cups inclined equivalent clinically to 45° (n=3) and 65° (n=3). For two further conditions (three million cycles), 4mm medial-lateral translational mismatch between centres was applied for cups inclined equivalent clinically to 45° (n=6) and 65° (n=6). Volumetric wear measurements were undertaken at one million cycle intervals. The lubricant was diluted new-born calf serum (25% v/v). Plastic deformation and wear were determined using a coordinate measurement machine. Mean values were calculated with 95% confidence limits. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA and a t-test with significance levels taken at p<0.05. Results. The largest dynamic separation measured was at a 65° cup inclination angle with 4mm translational mismatch (Figure 1). At 1mm and 2mm of translational mismatch there was insignificant or no edge loading due to dynamic separation. The most severe edge loading conditions occurred at 4mm of translational mismatch at 45° and 65° inclination angles (p<0.01, Figure 2). The wear rates under standard concentric conditions were 12.9±3.8 and 15.4±5.0 mm. 3. /million cycles for cups inclined at 45° and 65° respectively. Higher wear rates were observed under 4mm of translational mismatch at 45° (21.5±5.5mm. 3. /million cycles, p<0.01) and 65° (23.0±5.7mm. 3. /million cycles, p<0.01) cup inclination angles. The mean maximum penetration depth at the edge of the cup at three million cycles was 0.10±0.05mm and 0.28±0.04mm at 45° and 65° cup inclination angles respectively (p<0.01), indicating substantial plastic deformation due to edge loading (Figure 3). Conclusion. Surgical positioning is important for long term clinical success of hip joint implants. A method has been developed to study the effects of rotational and translational positioning of metal-on-polyethylene bearings. Severe edge loading increased the wear and deformation of polyethylene liners at the rim. Minimising the occurrence and severity of edge loading and reducing the dynamic separation in vivo may reduce revision rates associated with polyethylene bearings

Introduction and Aims. There are many variables that can affect the occurrence and severity of edge loading in hip replacement. A translational mismatch between the centres of rotation of the head and cup may lead to dynamic separation, causing edge loading and increased wear. Combining a steep inclination angle with such translational mismatch in the medial-lateral axis caused a larger magnitude of separation and increased severity of edge loading. Previous studies have shown variation in the hip Swing Phase Load (SPL) during gait between different patients. The aim of this study was to apply a translational mismatch and determine the effect of varying the SPL on the occurrence and severity of edge loading under different cup inclination angles in a hip joint simulator. Methods. The Leeds II hip joint simulator with a standard gait cycle and 36mm diameter ceramic-on-ceramic bearings (BIOLOX. ®. delta) were used in this study. The study was in two stages; [1] a biomechanical study where the magnitude of dynamic separation, the duration of edge loading and the magnitude of force under edge loading (severity) were assessed under variations in component positioning and SPLs. [2] A wear study to assess edge loading with selected input conditions. For the biomechanical study, a combination of four mismatches, three cup inclination angles, and eight SPLs (Table 1) were investigated. For the wear study, three SPL conditions were selected with one cup angle and one mismatch (Table 1). Three million cycles were completed under each condition. Mean wear rates and 95% confidence limits were determined and statistical analysis (one way ANOVA) completed (significance taken at p<0.05). Table 1: Study matrix. Results. For any given translational mismatch or cup inclination angle, increasing the SPL from 50N to 450N resulted in a decrease in the magnitude of dynamic separation (Figures 1 and 2). In some scenarios when the mismatch between the centres of rotation was low and the SPL was high, no separation was observed. Under 150N SPL, the severity of edge loading was similar to that determined for the 50N SPL conditions although the magnitude of dynamic separation was lower. Higher wear rates were found for the 70N and 150N compared to 300N SPL (Figure 3). No significant difference was found between wear rate under the SPLs of 70N and 150N (p=0.05), but significant differences were found between the wear rates under 150N and 300N SPL and between 70N and 300N SPL (p<0.01 and p<0.01 respectively). Conclusion. The SPL contributed to the resistance of separation between the head and the cup, hence a lower dynamic separation was measured under higher SPL. The wear study demonstrated that edge loading was present even under a higher SPL. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

Introduction and Aims. There are many surgical, implant design and patient factors that should be considered in preclinical testing of hip replacement which are not being considered in current standards. The aim of this study was to develop a preclinical testing method that consider surgical positioning, implant design and patient factors and predict the occurrence and severity of edge loading under the combination of such conditions. Then, assess the safety and reliability of the implant by predicting the wear, deformation and damage of the implant bearings under worst case conditions. Methods. Ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC, 36mm, BIOLOX. ®. delta, Pinnacle. ®. , DePuy Synthes, UK) and metal-on polyethylene (MoP, 36mm, Marathon®, Pinnacle. ®. , DePuy Synthes, UK) bearings were used for this study on multi-station multi-axis hip joint simulators. Two factors were varied, cup inclination angles (45° and 65°) and translational mismatch between the femoral head and acetabular cup (0, 2, 3 and 4 (mm)). Under each condition for both CoC and MoP bearings, three million cycles of gait cycle testing were completed with wear, deformation and/or damage measurements completed at one million cycle intervals. Other outputs of the study were the level of dynamic separation between the femoral head and acetabular cup during gait, the maximum force at the rim during edge loading when the head was sliding back to the cup confinement. Means and 95% confidence limits were determined and statistical analysis were done using one way ANOVA with significance taken at p<0.05. Results. As the level of mismatch and the cup inclination angle increased, the magnitude of dynamic separation and the force at the rim increased. The level of dynamic separation and the force on the rim correlated with the wear of CoC bearings (R= 0.96). For polyethylene, steeper inclination angle did not significantly increase the wear (p>0.05) however, edge loading under 4mm translational mismatch and steep cup inclination angle did (p<0.01). The combined wear and deformation of the polyethylene liners at the rim increased under larger levels of dynamic separation. Conclusions. The magnitude of dynamic separation and force at the rim were predictive of the severity of edge loading. These parameters can be measured using short term testing (500 cycles). This will determine the effect of variations in surgical positioning, implant design and patient factors on the occurrence and severity of edge loading. Then, the wear, deformation and/or damage on hip replacement bearings can be determined using longer term simulator testing under selected conditions. The short term tests do not only help identify worst case scenarios but may identify the boundary of surgical position under which the implants performance may be considered acceptable. A new approach for preclinical testing of hip replacement was developed:. Stage 1: Short biomechanical tests. : assess the occurrence and severity of edge loading conditions where the outputs are:. Magnitude of medial-lateral dynamic separation. Maximum force under edge loading. Stage 2: Wear assessment. : assess the tribological performance of hip replacement under selected conditions where the outputs are:. Wear rates. Deformation and/or damage on the bearing surface

Background. It is not always clear why some patients experience recurrent dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA). In order to plan appropriate revision surgery for such patients, however, it is important to understand the specific biomechanical basis for the dislocation. We have developed a novel method to analyse the biomechanical profile of the THA, specifically to identify edge loading and prosthetic impingement, taking into account spinopelvic mobility. In this study we compare the results of this analysis in THA patients with and without recurrent dislocation. Methods. Post-operative CT scans and lateral standing and seated radiographs of 40 THA patients were performed, 20 of whom had experienced postoperative dislocation. The changes in pelvic and femoral positions on the lateral radiographs were measured between the standing and seated positions, and a 3D digital model was then generated to simulate the movement of the hip when rising from a chair for each patient. The path of the joint reaction force (JRF) across the acetabular bearing surface and the motion of the femoral neck relative to the acetabular margin were then calculated for this “sit-to-stand” movement, in order to identify where there was risk of edge loading or prosthetic impingement. Results. For every patient it was possible to model the path of the JRF and the femoral neck relative to the acetabular component. The analysis predicted either edge loading or prosthetic impingement in significantly more patients in the “dislocating” group compared to the “non-dislocating” group (figure 1). Conclusions. This method of biomechanical simulation may be able to identify edge loading and / or prosthetic impingement in THA patients who have experienced recurrent dislocation. This may be helpful in planning appropriate revision surgery. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Edge loading commonly occurs in all bearings in hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study compares metal bearings with edge loading to alumina bearings with edge loading and to metal bearings without edge loading. Seventeen failed large diameter metal-on-metal hip bearings (8 total hips, 9 resurfacings) were compared to 55 failed alumina-on-alumina bearings collected from 1998 to 2010. The surface topography of the femoral heads was measured using a chromatically encoded confocal measurement machine (Artificial Hip Profiler, RedLux Ltd.). The median time to revision for the metal hip bearings and the alumina hip bearings was 2.7 years. Forty-six out of 55 (84%) alumina bearings and 9 out 17 (53%) metal bearings had edge loading wear (p<0.01). The average volumetric wear rate for metal femoral heads was 7.87 mm3/yr (median 0.25 mm3/yr) and for alumina heads was 0.78 mm3/yr (median 0.18 mm3/yr) (p=0.02). The average volumetric wear rate for metal heads with edge loading was 16.51 mm3/yr (median 1.77 mm3/yr) and for metal heads without edge loading was 0.19 mm3/yr (median 0 mm3/yr) (p=0.1). There was a significant difference in gender, with a higher ratio of females in the alumina group than the metal group (p=0.02). Large diameter metal femoral heads with edge loading have a higher wear rate than smaller alumina heads with edge loading. Metal-on-metal bearings have low wear when edge loading does not occur

Introduction. Edge loading commonly occurs in all bearings in hip arthroplasty. Edge loading wear can occur in these bearings when the biomechanical loading axis reaches the edge and the femoral head loads the edge of the cup producing wear damage on both the head and cup edge. When the biomechanical loading axis passes through the polished articulating surface of the acetabular component and does not reach the edge, the center of the head and the center of the cup are concentric. The resulting wear known as concentric wear is low in metal-on-metal (MOM) bearings, and is negligible in ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) bearings. Edge loading is well defined in COC hip bearings. However, edge loading is difficult to identify in MOM bearings, since the metal bearing surfaces do not show wear patterns macroscopically. The aims of this study are to compare edge loading wear rates in COC and MOM bearings, and to relate edge loading to clinical complications. Materials and Methods. Twenty-nine failed large diameter metal-on-metal hip bearings (17 total hips, 12 resurfacings) were compared to 54 failed alumina-on-alumina bearings collected from 1998 to 2011. Most COC bearings were revised for aseptic loosening or periprosthetic bone fracture, while most MOM bearings were revised for pain, soft tissue reactions or impingement. The median time to revision was 3.2 years for the metal hip bearings and 3.5 years for alumina hip bearings. The surface topography of the femoral heads was measured using a RedLux AHP (Artificial Hip Profiler, RedLux Ltd, Southampton, UK). Results. Forty-five out of fifty-four bearings (83%) alumina bearings and 15 out 29 (52%) metal bearings had edge loading wear (p<0.01). There was no difference in the median volumetric wear rates, which were 0.25 mm. 3. /yr for metal femoral heads and 0.18 mm. 3. /yr for alumina heads (means 7.87 mm. 3. /yr and 0.78 mm. 3. /yr respectively). The median volumetric wear rate was 1.77 mm. 3. /yr (mean 16.51 mm. 3. /yr) for metal heads with edge loading and 0.01 mm. 3. /yr (mean 0.19 mm. 3. /yr) for metal heads without edge loading (p=0.1). Conclusions. The median wear rates for COC and MOM bearings were the same, however MOM bearings have the potential for much higher wear rates when edge loading occurs. Most of the reasons for revision of MOM bearings were related to a biological response to the wear debris. Therefore, it may be the reactivity of the wear debris, and not the wear rate that is an important determinant for the survivorship of MOM bearings

Introduction. Increased wear rates [1, 2] and acetabular rim fracture [3] of hip replacement bearings reported clinically have been associated with edge loading, which could occur due to rotational and/or translational mal-positioning [4]. Surgical mal-positioning can lead to dynamic microseparation mechanisms resulting in edge loading conditions. In vitro microseparation conditions have replicated stripe wear and the bi-modal wear debris distribution observed clinically [5, 6]. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of steep cup inclination, representing rotational mal-positioning, on the magnitude of dynamic microseparation, severity of edge loading, and the resulting wear rate of a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing, under surgical translational mal-positioning conditions. Materials and Methods. Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings where the ceramic liner was inserted into a titanium alloy cup (BIOLOX® delta and Pinnacle® respectively, DePuy Synthes, UK) were tested on the six-station Leeds II hip simulator. The first test was run with the cups inclined at an angle equivalent, clinically, to 45° (n=6) and the second test was run with the cups inclined at an angle equivalent, clinically, to 65° (n=6). A standard gait cycle was run. A fixed surgical translational mal-positioning of 4mm between the centres of rotations of the head and the cup in the medial/lateral axis was applied on all stations. Both tests ran for three million cycles each. The lubricant used was 25% new-born calf serum. Wear was assessed gravimetrically using a microbalance (XP205, Mettler Toledo, UK) and geometrically using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM, Legex 322, Mitutoyo, UK). Statistical analysis was done using one way ANOVA with significance taken at p<0.05. Results. The magnitude of dynamic microseparation was significantly (p<0.01) higher when the inclination angle of the cup was steeper (Figure 1) under the same level of translational mal-positioning of 4mm. This has resulted in significantly (p<0.01) higher wear rates of 1.01mm. 3. /million cycles for the steep cup inclination group of 65° compared to 0.32mm. 3. /million cycles for the 45° inclined cups group (Figure 2). Furthermore, the penetration on the femoral heads was significantly (p<0.01) higher for the steep cup inclination angle group with a mean (±95% confidence limit) penetration of 33±6µm under the 65° cup inclination angle condition and 15±3µm under the 45° cup inclination angle condition (Figure 3). Discussion and Conclusion. This study showed that cup inclination angle affects the magnitude of dynamic microseparation for a given surgical translational mal-position, thus leading to severe edge loading and increased wear rates with increased cup inclination angles. The occurrence and severity of the resulting edge loading causing increased wear in hip bearings will depend on the combinations of surgical variations, such as steep inclination angle, excessive version angle, medialised cups, head offset deficiencies, stem subsidence, and joint laxity. Future work will include studying the effect of these variables on the level of dynamic microseparation, severity of edge loading, the offset frictional torque and level of resulting wear

Introduction. Total ankle replacement (TAR) is less successful than other joint replacements with a 77% survivorship at 10 years. Predominant indications for revision include: Insert dislocation, soft tissue impingement and pain/stiffness. Insert edge-loading may be both a product and cause of these indications and was reported to affect 22% of patients with the, now withdrawn from market, Ankle Evolutive System (AES) TAR (Transysteme, Nimes, France). Compressive forces up to seven times body weight over a relatively small contact area (∼6.0 to 9.2 cm. 2. ), in combination with multi-directional motion potentially causes significant polyethylene wear and deformation in mobile-bearing TAR designs. Direct methods of measuring component volume (e.g. pycnometer) use Archimedes' principle but cannot identify spatial changes in volume or form indicative of wear/deformation. Quantitative methods for surface analysis bridge this limitation and may advance methods for analysing the edge loading phenomena in TAR. Aim. Determine the frequency of edge loading in a cohort of explanted total ankle replacements and compare the quantitative surface characteristics using a novel explant analysis method. Methods. Thirty-two AES TAR devices were implanted and retrieved by the same surgeon (UK Health Research Authority approval: 09/H1307/60). Mean implantation time was 7.8 years (1.5 to 12.1 range). Pain and/or loosening were the primary indications for revision. An Alicona Infinite microscope measured the entire superior surface of each insert (10× mag; 1.76µm lateral resolution). Abbott-Firestone curves were produced per insert to quantify the deviation of the insert surface from flat. Peak material volume (Vmp), core material volume (Vmc), core void volume (Vvc) and dale void volume (Vvv) were measured. Edge loading was identified visually by a depressed area in the insert surface indicative of articulation with the edge of the tibial component. Inserts were identified as either edge-loaded or not edge-loaded and the above analyses compared. Results. Seventeen inserts (53%) showed edge loading. Peak material volume (Vmp) was significantly increased for the edge loaded inserts 5.64 ± 5.42µm compared to the normal inserts 1.29 ± 0.954µm (Independent T-Test, P=0.005). No difference was found for the other volume parameters (Figure 2). A progressive change in insert form, beginning at the edges of the superior insert surface, was evident (Figure 1). Machining marks identified at the centre of several components supported this observation. Discussion. Insert edge loading affected 53% of TAR explants. The volume parameters showed a statistically significant inflection of material at the inserts' edge for the affected ankles. Spatial changes to insert form progressed over time in-vivo. Machining marks at the centre of several inserts remained which indicated the deformation/wear process commenced at the periphery of the insert. Normal ranges of volume change/redistribution are not established for TAR devices and the implications of insert form change are not yet understood. However, edge-loaded components composed over half of this cohort, which reflects the conflict between design simplicity and kinematic complexity. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly (see Info & Metrics tab above).

Purpose of the study: Ceramic-on-ceramic THA explants exhibit a higher wear rate than that predicted by classical simulators. This appears to be related to edge loading, which could perhaps be reproducible in vitro by creating a microseparation between the two components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this coefficient of friction for ceramic-on-ceramic THA with edge loading. This should enable prediction of wear in the event of microseparation. Material and methods: Three 32mm alumina inserts (Biolox Forte Ceramtec. ®. ) were tested on a friction simulatior (Prosim. ®. ). The cup was positioned vertically (75° inclination) to reproduce edge loading. The metal-back and the acetabular insert were sectioned to avoid impingement between the neck and cup. Contact was imposed along the border of the cup, then perpendicularly to it. The tests were performed under lubrication conditions (25% bovine serum). In order to simulate severe contact pressures, the tests were also conducted with a third body inserted between the head and the edge of the cup. To obtain reference values of the centred regimen, tests were first run with identical components positioned horizontally. Results: Edge loading was achieved for cups inclined at 75°. The coefficient of friction was 0.02±0.001 under centred conditions. For edge loading conditions, the coefficient of friction was significantly increased, to a mean 0.09±0.00 for movement along the acetabular border and 0.034±0.001 for movement perpendicular to the border. Squeaking occurred for 15 s when the third body was introduced, corresponding to a coefficient of friction 15-fold higher (0.32±0.003) than under ideal conditions. Discussion: For the first time, the coefficient of friction of edge loading was determined under conditions of lubrication. The friction coefficient of ceramic-on-ceramic THA was greater for a very vertical cup, but remained (0.1) equivalent to the metal-on-metal coefficient under optimal conditions. When a third body was introduced, transient squeaking occurred with a very high coefficient of friction. Conclusion: Implantation of cups with a high abduction angle induces edge loading and an increased coefficient of friction, and should be avoided

SUMMARY. The relationship between component position, wear rate and edge loading was investigated for 115 explanted current generation Metal-on-Metal (MoM) hips. Edge wear was detected in: 63% of all hips; and 48% of those with cups positioned within Lewinnek's box. BACKGROUND. The link between steeply inclined cups (>55 degrees) and edge loading is known for all common hip bearing couples. Edge loading is associated with high rates of wear, and has been linked to premature failure of hips. METHODS. The wear of failed hip joints was measured using a Taylor Hobson Talyrond 365. Edge loading was identified when the depth of the wear scar was maximum at the rim of the cup. The position of the cups was measured from plain radiographs or 3D CT. RESULTS. A total of 115 retrieved hips were available with position and wear analysis. The median age of patients was 58 years (25 – 87) and the median time before revision was 38 months (4 – 121). All hips were measured for inclination and 78 were measured for version. The median (range) of cup inclination was 51 degrees (15 – 82), and cup version was 18.5 degrees (-47 – 61). 63% of cups were found to be edge loaded. The median wear rate of the edge loaded cups was 12 μm per year compared to 1.88 μm per year for non-edge loaded cups. Edge loading was found in all components with an inclination steeper than 60°. Edge loading was found at inclination angles as low as 30°. 23 cups were placed within Lewinnek's safe zone: inclination of 40 ± 10degrees, and version of 15 ± 10 degrees. However, 11 of these “well positioned” components were edge loaded. Of the edge loaded components in Lewinnek's box, none had an inclination less than 40 degrees. CONCLUSIONS. Edge loading occurred at cup inclination angles lower than previously reported. It is believed that edge wear is related to the contact patch between head and cup, overlapping the edge of the cup, causing disruption to the lubrication regime and increased contact pressures at the edge of the cup. Work is progressing to calculate the size of contact patch for the explanted hips and position in the cup

Introduction:. A disturbing prevalence of painful inflammatory reactions has been reported in metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty. A contributing factor is localized loading of the acetabular shell leading to “edge wear” which is often seen after precise measurement of the bearing surfaces of retrieved components. Factors contributing to edge wear include adverse cup orientation leading to proximity (<10 mm) of the hip reaction force to the edge of the acetabular component. As this phenomenon is a function of implant positioning and patient posture, this study was performed to investigate the occurrence of edge loading during different functional activities as a function of cup inclination and version. Methods:. We developed a computer model of the hip joint through reconstruction of CT scans of a proto-typical pelvis and femur and virtually implanting a hip resurfacing prosthesis in an ideal position. Using this model, we examined the relationship between the resultant hip force vector and the edge of the acetabular shell during walking, stair ascent and descent, and getting in and out of a chair. Load data was derived from 5 THR patients implanted with instrumented hip prostheses (Bergmann et al). We calculated the distance from the edge of the shell to the point of intersection of the load vector and the bearing surface for cup orientations ranging from 40 to 70 degrees of inclination, and 0 to 40 degrees of anteversion. Results:. Previous studies have shown that wear of MOM bearings becomes significantly elevated once the load vector comes within 10 mm of the edge of the acetabular cup. Our simulations demonstrated that normal gait, stair climbing and stair descent do not generate edge loading unless the shell was oriented in 70° of inclination and 20° of anteversion. Conversely, edge loading was predicted during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit activities for every orientation of the implanted components, including values within the “safe zone” (Figure 1). Cup anteversion was not a consistent predictor of edge loading during gait, stair climbing or stair descent, but did affect the distance to the edge of the cup in sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit activities. Conclusions:. We demonstrated that normal gait, stair-climbing and stair descent do not appear to explain the edge wear seen in many of the retrieved resurfacing components. Edge loading does occur during sit to stand and stand to sit activities in virtually any cup orientation and is postulated as the missing factor explaining component wear. In our work we have effectively demonstrated that, in the absence of other confounding factors, edge loading and pseudotumor formation can happen in even the “safe” acetabular orientations. We propose this as a new way to understand the forces upon the components following HRA

Introduction. A disturbing prevalence of short-term failures of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacings has been reported by joint registries. These cases have been primarily due to painful inflammatory reactions and, in extreme cases, formation of pseudotumors within periarticular soft-tissues. The likely cause is localized loading of the acetabular shell leading to “edge wear” which is often seen after precise measurement of the bearing surfaces of retrieved components. Factors contributing to edge wear of metal-on-metal arthroplasties are thought to include adverse cup orientation, patient posture, and the direction of hip loading. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of different functional activities in edge loading of hip resurfacing prostheses as a function of cup inclination and version. Methods. We developed a computer model of the hip joint through reconstruction of CT scans of a proto-typical pelvis and femur and virtually implanting a hip resurfacing prosthesis in an ideal position. Using this model, we examined the relationship between the resultant hip force vector and the edge of the acetabular shell during walking, stair ascent and descent, and getting in and out of a chair. Load data was derived from 5 THR patients implanted with instrumented hip prostheses (Bergmann et al). We calculated the distance from the edge of the shell to the point of intersection of the load vector and the bearing surface for cup orientations ranging from 40 to 70 degrees of inclination, and 0 to 40 degrees of anteversion. Results. The low flexion activities of normal gait, stair climbing and stair descent did not demonstrate values consistent with edge loading unless the shell was oriented in 70° inclination and 20° version. Conversely, the occurrence of edge loading was predicted during sit to stand and stand to sit activities for every orientation of the implanted components (Figure 1). Cup anteversion was not a consistent predictor of edge loading during gait, stair climbing and stair descent; but did affect the distance to the edge of the cup in sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit activities. Conclusions. We demonstrated that normal gait, stair-climbing and stair descent do not appear to explain the edge wear seen in many of the retrieved resurfacing components. Edge loading does occur during sit to stand and stand to sit activities in virtually any cup orientation and is postulated as the missing factor explaining component wear. In our work we have effectively demonstrated that, in the absence of other confounding factors, edge loading and pseudotumor formation can happen in even the “safe” acetabular orientations. We propose this as a new way to understand the forces upon the components following HRA

Introduction. Robotically-assisted unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) is intended to improve the precision with which the components are implanted, but the impact of alignment using this technique on subsequent polyethylene surface damage has not been determined. Therefore, we examined retrieved ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene UKA tibial inserts from patients who had either robotic-assisted UKA or UKA performed using conventional manual techniques and compared differences in polyethylene damage with differences in implant component alignment between the two groups. We aimed to answer the following questions: (1) Does robotic guidance improve UKA component position compared to manually implanted UKA? (2) Is polyethylene damage or edge loading less severe in patients who had robotically aligned UKA components? (3) Is polyethylene damage or edge loading less severe in patients with properly aligned UKA components?. Methods. We collected 13 medial compartment, non-conforming, fixed bearing, polyethylene tibial inserts that had been implanted using a passive robotic-arm system and 21 similarly designed medial inserts that had been manually implanted using a conventional surgical technique. Pre-revision radiographs were used to determine the coronal and sagittal alignment of the tibial components. Retrieval analysis of the tibial articular surfaces included damage mapping and 3D laser scanning to determine the extent of polyethylene damage and whether damage was consistent with edge loading of the surface by the opposing femoral component. Results. Though the individual planar alignments did not differ between the two groups, overall 69% of the 13 robotically aligned components were well-positioned in both the coronal and sagittal planes, as opposed to only 18% of the manually aligned tibial components (Fig.1). Robotically aligned inserts had significantly less pitting, burnishing, and deformation than manually aligned inserts, and the maximum surface deviations (wear and deformation) were significantly smaller, though these differences could be explained by a longer length of implantation for the manually aligned inserts. Interestingly, no difference was found in the incidence of edge loading between the robotically aligned and manually aligned groups. When comparing polyethylene damage on the basis of alignment rather than surgical technique, neither the polyethylene damage nor surface deviation was different, aside from more burnishing and deformation in mal-positioned components and greater deviation in components mal-positioned in the sagittal plane. Conclusions. Static radiographic alignment measurements were not useful in predicting the wear patterns that the tibial inserts experienced while implanted, suggesting that other factors, such as the patient's functional kinematics, influence the mechanical burden placed on the polyethylene articular surfaces (Fig. 2)

Aims. Retrospective review of a consecutive series of 1,168 total ankle replacements (TAR) performed at Wrightington, to analyse modes of failure and clinical outcomes following TAR failure. Methods. All patients undergoing TAR between November 1993 – June 2019 were collated (4–25 year follow-up; mean 13.7 years). 6 implants were used (300 STAR, 100 Buechal Pappas, 509 Mobility, 118 Zenith, 41 Salto and 100 Infinity). 5 surgeons, all trained in TAR, performed the surgery. Modes of failure were collated and clinical and radiological outcomes recorded for the revisional surgery following failure of the TAR. Results. 156 (13.4%) TARs failed (47STAR 15.6%, 16BP 16%, 77Mobility 15.1%, 6Salto 14.6%, 10Zenith 8.5% and 0Infinity 0%). Mean time to failure 5.8 years (0.1- 21.4 years). The 4 most common modes of failure were 44.9% aseptic loosening, 11.5% gutter pain, 10.9% infection and 10.3% recurrent edge loading. 50 underwent conversion to tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion with nail with 9 (18%) failing to fuse. 31 underwent revision TAR with 2 (6.5%) subsequently failed. 22 underwent ankle fusion with 10 (45%) failing to fuse. 21 underwent polyethylene exchange of which 8 (38%) had further poly failure. 20 (12.8%) were managed conservatively, 2 (1.3%) required below knee amputation and 6 were listed but lost to follow-up. 81 of the 1168 (7%) consecutive cohort were lost to follow-up. Conclusions. 13.4% of the TAR cohort have failed at average follow-up 13.7 years. There was no difference in failure modes across the implant designs. Whilst the fixed bearing has the shortest follow-up, it may be performing better as there have been no failures so far. Prior to October 2016, most revisions were to fusion (TTC 18% failure rate, ankle 45% failure rate), whereas post 2016, 57% patients elected for revision TAR (6.5% failure)