Three-Dimensional Experimental Analysis of Wear in Retrieved Hip Implants

Wear is recognized as one of the main causes of hip replacement failure, as it can lead to instability, pain, and revision surgeries. Consequently, numerical and experimental wear investigations on hip implants are highly relevant in biomedical and orthopedic research. This study is focused on the application of advanced experimental analyses for wear characterization of hip replacements and presents an innovative and dedicated experimental wear assessment protocol based on 3D scanners. The method was tested on retrieved metal-on-plastic hip implants and provided 3D wear maps of the damaged surfaces of both the cup and head. Some preliminary results obtained on a plastic cup are here presented and discussed. The primary goal of these analyses is to understand the causes and mechanisms of wear so that prosthetic materials and designs can be improved, implant reliability, and patients’ quality of life enhanced. The research activity presented in this paper promotes more responsible production and consumption, making the biomedical sector more sustainable and resilient over time. Therefore, it contributes directly to the goals of sustainable development by improving health and well-being (SDG3), promoting technological innovation and reducing environmental impact (SDG9 and SDG12) with a reduction of material wastage and favoring recycling and waste management, improving collaboration between universities, research centers, biomedical industries, and hospitals (SDG17).