Method for testing ceramic socket inserts of hip joint endoprostheses

US6564647B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Ceramtec AG, Innovative Ceramic Engineering · DE

Inventors

• Herbert Richter · Neuenbürg, DE
• Martin Wimmer · Neubiberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 11, 2001
• Grant date: May 20, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 11, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2203/0089
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method tests a ceramic socket insert of a hip joint endoprosthesis in which, in use, a spherical head articulates against a functional inner surface of a ceramic socket insert which is anchored in a pelvic bone by means of a socket housing. The method includes providing the ceramic socket insert in a holding arrangement, applying a predetermined pressing force to a predetermined sub-area of the functional inner surface of the ceramic socket insert, and applying a supporting force to a sub-area of an outer surface of the ceramic socket insert to counteract the pressing force. The predetermined sub-area of the functional inner surface symmetrically surrounds a pole of the inner surface of a ceramic socket insert. The predetermined force is such that stresses generated in the ceramic socket insert are higher than stresses generated in the case of a physiological load.