Retrieval analysis of hip prostheses

Abstract

The investigation of retrieved orthopedic devices and adjacent tissues can be of value in the assessment of clinical complications associated with the use of a specific implant design. Adequate orthopedic implant retrieval and evaluation require the quantitative assessment of host and implant responses using specific analytical protocols and nondestructive and destructive testing procedures. Techniques used for implant and tissue evaluation should be both device designed and material specific, in order to assure the collection of quantitative data that can provide correlations and cause-and-effect relationships between biomaterial, implant design, and different variables (mechanical, manufacturing, clinical, and biological). Tools for failure analysis of orthopedic implant range in size, cost, complexity, and utility. The most valuable tool is a large database and a systematic method to characterize and store data related to orthopedic device characteristics. Continued investigation of retrieved devices is recommended to deepen our knowledge of implant failure mechanisms and to evaluate the impact of newer biomaterials and design on the performance of orthopedic implants and prostheses.