Creating Customized Hip-Spacers Using PMMA-Based Green Composites to Fulfill Specific Needs of Individuals with Disabilities

Abstract

In the context of replacing damaged artificial hip joints, a common practice involves using antibiotic-infused bone cement as a spacer. However, the mechanical properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is commonly used for spacers, have certain limitations. To address this issue, the present study suggests incorporating a natural filler, specifically coffee husk, as a reinforcement for PMMA. Different composite samples were prepared by varying the weight fractions of coffee husk, and their mechanical properties were assessed. The results indicated that the inclusion of coffee husk particles in PMMA led to improvements in compressive strength, hardness, and stiffness. Furthermore, a finite element model was constructed and analyzed to evaluate the stress experienced on the spacer’s surface (load-carrying capacity), yielding findings consistent with the experimental results.