Decades of success in using orthopaedic implants for the restoration of normal function to arthritic joints and for post-trauma stabilization and repair has led to a proliferation of new materials, designs, and applications. Dozens of joint replacement products, most commonly for the hip, spine and knee joints, are available on the market. As they represent the most complex mechanical systems in the body, articulating joints provide implant designers with many challenges to overcome. Most notably, designers must apply their knowledge of joint kinematics and loads to their designs to ensure life-long performance.
Physiological forces dependent on the patient’s body weight and physical activities, motions in up to six degrees-of-freedom, and the need for a near frictionless bearing surface, are all taken into consideration in attempts to replicate the joint. In addition, the effects of stress shielding and wear must be studied and the service life of the implant in vivo must be verified. All this fuels a fast-growing need for more complex and anatomically correct testing protocols.
Instron® has considerable experience of mechanical testing in orthopaedics, spinal devices, and devices for osteosynthesis: from basic static testing of raw materials, to impact loading of joint components, through to complete simulation for evaluating the fatigue and wear properties in vivo. Through every phase of implant development, our innovative solutions meet a vast array of demands found within the orthopaedics field. The following highlights the range of orthopaedic applications we are actively involved in with our customers.
Hip and Knee Implants
Spinal Devices
Osteosynthesis and Trauma Devices
Mechanical testing of spinal implants and testing of spinal devices is normally carried out following ASTM or ISO standards. Testing includes axial, torsional, bending and shearing.
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ElectroPuls systems use linear motor technology to offer slow-speed static testing and high-frequency dynamic fatigue testing with hundreds of Hertz capability. With models up to 10 kN and a linear-torsion variant, ElectroPuls systems are dynamic testing machines that do not have the environmental impact of conventional servohydraulic technologies.
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With up to 25 kN axial and 100 Nm torsion capacity, the 8874 Tabletop Model servohydraulic testing system is ideal for axial-torsional fatigue and static testing of biomedical and advanced materials, as well as manufactured components.
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The 5900 Series are higher performance universal systems that are packaged in innovative frames, designed with enhancements that deliver superior accuracy and reliability, improved ergonomics, and an enhanced overall experience for the operator. Systems are packaged with Bluehill for test set-up, running of tests and data analysis.
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