The researchers found that graphitic carbon is a key element in lubricating the layer that forms on MoM hip implants; the lubricant is similar more similar to the lubrication of a combustion engine than a natural joint. The discovery was a surprise to some of the researchers, but this knew knowledge could promote new development for hip implants to improve their performance.
Dr. Jacobs said the next phase of the research is to examine the surfaces of retrieved devices and correlate the researchers’ observations of the graphitic layer with the reason for removal and overall performance of the metal surfaces. Co-researcher, Laurence D. Marks,who led efforts at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., also hopes to glean information about how graphitic debris from the implant affects surrounding cells.
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