TRIBOLOGICAL TESTS Of MATERIALS FOR HIP JOINTENDOPROSTHESIS CUPS

Hip joint alloplasty completely changes the cooperation conditions of the correct biological friction pair byintroducing a cup and a head on a stem. When selecting an endoprosthesis, a choice should be made betweena rigid tribological node and a flexible biobearing that absorbs locomotion loads, which better approximatesthe conditions in a normal joint. The aim of the study is to compare and evaluate the tribological andmicromechanical parameters of selected biomaterials used for hip joint endoprosthesis cups. The conductedtests of wear resistance and determination of coefficients of friction, as well as microhardness and Young’smodulus tests, allowed us to determine which materials will be preferred for hip joint endoprosthesis cups.Based on the results of the tribological tests performed, the authors identify the most favorable tribologicalpair in the context of wear and coefficient of friction. Improving the tribological cooperation of the bearingpair used, reducing wear and generation of friction products in particular, may influence the articulationconditions of the endoprosthesis and the length of its survival in the body.