Original Research
The Effects of Blood and Fat on Morse Taper Disassembly Forces
Am J Orthop. 2009 April;38(4):187-190
Author and Disclosure Information
Carlos J. Lavernia, MD, Luis Baerga, BS, Robert L. Barrack, MD, Evangelos Tozakoglou, PhD, Stephen D. Cook, PhD, Loren Lata, PhD, and Mark D. Rossi, PhD, PT, CSCS
Dr. Lavernia is Chief of Orthopedics and Director of the Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy Hospital, Miami, Florida, and Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida.
Dr. Baerga is a Physiatrist and Rehabilitation Specialist, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Dr. Barrack is Chief of Staff, Orthopedics, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Chief, Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Tozakoglou has a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Greece.
Dr. Cook is with the Fellowship of Orthopaedic Researchers, Metairie, Louisiana.
Dr. Lata is Professor and Director of Research, Max Biedermann Institute for Biomechanics, Department of Orthopedics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.
Dr. Rossi is Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Florida International University, Miami, Florida.
Biological debris between modular components using Morse tapers in hip arthroplasty can lead to weakening of the implant construct. We conducted a study to determine the effect of blood and fat within the taper interface. Tapers were divided into groups 1 (clean), 2 (surface covered with blood and fat), and 3 (blood and fat wiped off). Each taper was impacted and disassembled 5 times. There was a difference in mean disassembly force between pulls within group 2. Thus, blood and fat contamination can have a significant effect on the potential for disassembly.