MEMORANDUM To: Dr. Elizabeth Hildinger Professor, Technical Communications Dr. George Wynarsky Professor, Engineering 100.

100 From: Date: Subject: Zach French Student, Engineering 100.100.101 January 15, 2013 Hip Replacements

Purpose When the hip joint of a human experiences damage from disease or fracturing, it is often replaced. Replacing the hip relieves pain, improves mobility, and decreases further health risks for recipients of the procedure. The replacement hip joint uses a simple ball-and-socket design that is made of metal, ceramic, or plastic materials. Background Through disease, aging, or trauma, hip joints often become damaged to the point where their function is minimal and painful. Arthritis is one such disease that causes bone to deteriorate, causing pain and weakness in the victims joints. When one lives with arthritis affecting their hip for an extended amount of time, action needs to be taken. Another instance where ones hip may need significant medical attention is when one breaks their pelvis or femur in the hip region from a fall or car accident. To fix bad hips, a surgical procedure called hip arthroplasty is performed (Mayo, 2011). This involves removing bad parts of ones hip and replacing it with artificial parts. Hip arthroplasty is a relatively young procedure. The first hip replacement was executed in 1962 by the British surgeon Sir John Charnley (Encyclopedia). Charnley inserted a steel ball mounted on a stem into the femur of the patient. Also, a dense plastic socket was secured into the acetabular (curved) part of the joint with cement. Since the Charnley Prosthesis, as his design became known, materials have become much more advanced, and the surgery has become less invasive and damaging to surrounding tissue. Physical Description A typical modern hip replacement has three or four major components. The acetabular shell is the socket replacement part for the hip. It is either cemented or pressed into the bone. The noncemented design is used with the idea that bone will grow into it and secure it in place. Inside of the acetabular shell, a polyethylene, or plastic, liner is found. The purpose of this piece is to provide a smoother surface in which the ball component can rotate. The femoral head is the ball component that is needed for movement within the hip. It is made of ceramic materials, stainless steel, or a cobalt-alloy. The final major part of the hip replacement is the hip implant. Most commonly composed of steel; it is a rod-like piece implanted into the patients femur that provides a stable base for hip function (Zimmer, 2011).
Figure 1 (Zimmer, 2011)

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There are arguments made for the use of different types of materials in the artificial hip. The stainless steel and cobalt-alloy femoral head pieces are much more durable than their ceramic and plastic competitors. One limitation of the metal design is increased stiffness in the joint. Ceramic and plastic parts typically provide smoother movement within the joint, although their useable life may be shorter. Also, they are more prone to damage from trauma (hipreplacement.com). Function The replacement hip system functions just as real hips do. The femoral head rotates within the socket and allows for movement. The unit is stabilized by the femur implant. These artificial parts bring new life to those people who have been living with extreme hip pain. On occasion, they even eliminate the need for one to use a wheelchair or walker. What makes this procedure truly great is that after surgery, one may be able to resume any activity one was previously unable to perform due to major hip pain. References Hip Replacement - procedure, recovery, test, blood, pain, complications, adults, time, infection, operation, medication, heart, cells, types, risk, rate, Definition, Purpose. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers. Retrieved January 13, 2013, from http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Fi-La/Hip-Replacement.html#b Hip Replacement Surgery FAQs- Zimmer. (2011, October 26). Welcome to Zimmer - Personal Fit. Renewed Life.. Retrieved January 13, 2013, from http://www.zimmer.com/ctl?op=global&action=1&id=8140&template=PC Hip Replacement: Learning About Bearing Surfaces. (n.d.). Welcome to Hip Replacement. Retrieved January 13, 2013, from http://www.hipreplacement.com/DePuy/technology/implants/bearings/index.html Mayo Clinic medical information and tools for healthy living - MayoClinic.com. (2011, April 19). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 13, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM00341 APA formatting by BibMe.org.

I have neither given nor received any unauthorized help on this assignment, nor have I concealed any violation of the Honor Code. Signed: Zach French Date: 1/14/13