A finite element method approach to compare the wear of acetabular cups in polyethylene according to their lateral tilt in relation to the coronal plane

In this work, the finite element method was used to model and simulate the hip joint prosthetic tribosystem. We use an adaptation of the Archard equation to determine the abrasive wear of acetabular cups in UHMWPE as a function of their lateral tilts in relation to the coronal plane. Numerical simulations performed with acetabular cups at tilt angles of 30°, 45°, and 60° presented respectively linear wear of 0.19 mm, 0.17 mm, and 0.26 mm per year, and volumetric wear of 30.85 mm3, 30.97 mm3, and 47.41 mm3, for the same period. The results of the study suggest that acetabular cups assembled at 45° present lower linear wear rates, whereas a significant increase in the volumetric wear rate is obtained for sets positioned at tilts above 45°. This conclusion is corroborated by comparison with clinical results presented in the literature.

► Influence of lateral inclination on wear of acetabular cups.
► Finite element model of a hip joint provides estimates of wear rates.
► Linear and volumetric wear rates increase in acetabula fixed at tilts above 45°.
► Numerical results of linear wear corroborate clinical findings.