Metallography of Femoral Stem and Acetabular Cup

Hip replacement surgery replaces a worn-out or damaged hip joint with an artificial joint, restoring function and reducing pain for the patient. The artificial joint is meant to last for many years, so materials engineers must choose a material that can withstand the harsh conditions of the body and mechanical forces of daily use. In some components, surface treatments and coatings are used to achieve osteointegration between implant and bone.

To help ensure more positive outcomes, metallography plays an important role in the routine quality control of metals and alloys used in implant devices. This session will cover the metallography of the femoral stem and acetabular cup, including sectioning, mounting, grinding & polishing, and bright field microscopy.