Why is orthopaedic implant wear testing important? And how exactly should it be done?

The Importance of Orthopaedic Implant Wear Testing

In the human body, orthopaedic implants need to withstand the influence of complex mechanical and biological environments over a long period of time, and the degree of wear is directly related to the rehabilitation effect and quality of life of patients. Through in-vitro wear testing, the actual working environment of implants in the human body can be simulated, and key performance indicators such as wear resistance and fatigue resistance can be evaluated, providing an important basis for the optimised design and production of goods.

Through the orthopaedic implant wear test, enterprises can screen out implant products with poor performance and prevent their entry into the market, so as to protect the rights and interests of patients.

How to do orthopaedic implant wear testing?

Generally speaking, the wear test of orthopaedic implants starts with selecting appropriate testing equipment and materials.

Wear tests are a standardised process according to the standard. Due to the wide range of design variants, coupling mechanisms and degrees of freedom of movement, among other things, a precise specification of the sample specification by the manufacturer is necessary so that the test can be carried out correctly and conforms to the standard.

In addition to standardised methods, there are also special tests such as third body wear, edge load and adverse condition settings. Such specific test methods are based on scientific publications and in close consultation with the customer and competent work groups.

The testing party design a reasonable testing plan and parameters based on the type and usage scenario of the implant, simulate a real working environment, and monitor and record the wear of the implant in real-time during the testing process, in order to conduct in-depth analysis of the results. Finally, the results of standardised wear tests are made available to the customer as a test report. The test report serves as technical documentation in the product approval process. These documents are submitted by the customer to the notified body. The notified body evaluates the results.

If the test does not fulfil the acceptance criteria, the customer may have to rework the implants and carry out a repeat test.

To summarise, it can be said that the professional implementation of these complex wear testing methods requires well-trained personnel and modern testing technology.

Orthopaedics implant wear testing in Applus+ Laboratories

In the field of orthopaedic implant wear testing, Applus+ Laboratories has a professional team for medical device testing with rich testing experiences, and comprehensive testing contents. A global team of experts can evaluate the wear testing of various types of intra-articular implants, bone joint products, and trauma products, providing comprehensive testing services for customers with different needs.

Applus+ Laboratories not only focuses on basic performance indicators such as abrasion resistance and fatigue resistance of orthopaedic implants, but also evaluates the biocompatibility and safety to ensure the long-term stability and safety of implants in the human body. By virtue of its accreditations, Applus+ Laboratories is also able to test materials and products according to international and national test standards, provide support for developing new testing methods without relevant testing standards.

As the medical technology advances and patient needs increase, orthopaedic implant wear testing will play an even more important role. Applus+ Laboratories will continue to follow up on the latest developments and trends in the field of orthopaedic implants to provide our customers with more professional and efficient testing services.