Drive principles of a triaxial physiological hip joint simulator for wear testing of hip endoprostheses]

The long-term performance of hip joint replacements is a major criterion for quality assessment. Aseptic loosening as a result of wear has a considerable impact on the long-term stability of the prosthesis. Constant improvements in hip joint endoprostheses necessitate the use of hip joint simulator to evaluate and assess the suitability of newly developed materials. In the present paper, a triaxial physiological hip joint simulator is presented, and detailed information provided, on the applied control concepts, adaptation of various hard- and software systems and the accuracy of the kinematic and force parameters achievable.