The GATE Grind

GATE 2021 BM – Question 30

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering · Biocompatibility and Implant Characteristics · 1 mark · Multiple select

Which mechanisms may cause bone-implant failure?

  1. Stress shielding: reduced bone density after an implant removes customary bone stress
  2. Aseptic loosening: loss of bone–implant bond without infection
  3. Fretting fatigue: progressive deterioration from small-scale rubbing
  4. Osseointegration: direct bone–implant interface without intervening soft tissue

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Stress shielding: reduced bone density after an implant removes customary bone stress; (B) Aseptic loosening: loss of bone–implant bond without infection; (C) Fretting fatigue: progressive deterioration from small-scale rubbing

Explanation

Stress shielding can promote bone loss, aseptic loosening reduces fixation, and fretting fatigue damages materials/interfaces under repeated micromotion. Therefore A,B,C may cause failure. Osseointegration is the desired direct attachment of bone to implant, so D is not a failure mechanism.

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