Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 8
Carbon Nanotubes in Acrylic Bone Cement
Nicholas Dunne , Ross Ormsby , and Christina A. Mitchell
8.1
The Hip Joint
The hip joint is a synovial ball and socket joint allowing for rotation about three per-
pendicular axes. It is constructed of the femoral head and the acetabulum of the pelvic
bone. The femoral head and acetabulum are covered by cartilage. In a healthy hip joint
the cartilage acts as a protective cushion to allow smooth movement of the joint, thus
reducing friction and absorbing shock, to an extent. The presence of the synovial
membrane secretes synovial fluid into the joint in order to nourish and lubricate the
articulating cartilage [ 57 ]. The hip joint is responsible for the transfer of weight from
the leg to the body, and as such, can be under enormous mechanical stresses.
8.1.1
Potential Problems with the Hip Joint and Primary Joint
Replacement
Problems with the hip joint can arise due to cartilage damage within the joint caused
by disease, trauma or congenital conditions. This can lead to the surrounding tissues
becoming inflamed, causing considerable pain. If partial damage of the joint has
occurred, it may be possible to repair or replace just the damaged areas; if the entire
joint is damaged, however, a total joint replacement (TJR) may be necessary to
N. Dunne ( * ) • R. Ormsby
School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Queen's University of Belfast,
Ashby Building, Stranmillis Road , Belfast , BT9 5AH , UK
e-mail: n.dunne@qub.ac.uk ; rormsby01@qub.ac.uk
C. A. Mitchell
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University of Belfast,
Grosvenor Rd , Belfast , BT12 6BP , UK
e-mail: c.mitchell@qub.ac.uk
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