Factors influencing changes in articular cartilage following hemiarthroplasty in sheep.

This study examined the relationship between acetabular cartilage properties after hemiarthroplasty surgery and surgical variables including femoral head size and position. Nineteen sheep received unilateral hip arthroplasties and were euthanized one year post-operatively to harvest the femora and acetabula. Cartilage histology, biochemistry and material properties were determined from samples located in the superior load-bearing region. Femoral head size mismatch, leg length difference, anterior-posterior and medial lateral offset and anteversion were measured. In the acetabulum. substantial cartilage degradation occurred with widespread librillation and significant changes in the biochemical and material properties compared to the intact contralateral joint. Regression analyses on the surgical variables explained 75-80% of the changes in tissue biochemistry but did not explain the material changes. Head size mismatch and leg length difference were the most significant contributors of the five variables examined and therefore may be critical to successful outcome in hemiarthroplasty.

A conical-collared intramedullary stem can improve stress transfer and limit micromotion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of collar geometry on stress transfer and micromotion in idealized models of a cementless implant having an intramedullary stem. BACKGROUND: Intramedullary stems exist on several types of orthopaedic implants, including the femoral component of hip arthroplasties and segmental replacements used in the surgical treatment of a tumor or trauma in the diaphysis of a long bone. METHODS: Using three-dimensional finite element analysis, we compared four idealized, straight-stemmed, axisymmetric prostheses: flat-collared (0 degrees), conical-collared (30 degrees and 60 degrees), and collarless tapered (80 degrees). We simulated axial and non-axial (20 degrees oblique) loads as well as non-ingrown and ingrown interface conditions. RESULTS: Without bone ingrowth, stress transfer to bone adjacent to the collar increased with collar angle. Micromotion at the distal stem increased moderately with collar angle from 0 degrees through 60 degrees, then increased markedly from 60 degrees to 80 degrees. With simulated bony ingrowth, the effect of the collar was greatly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the selection of collar angle represents a tradeoff between initial stress transfer and micromotion. Stems with conical collar angles in the range of 30-60 degrees can provide increased stress transfer compared to a flat collar design and reduced micromotion compared to a collarless tapered design.