Title
Cement microcracks in thin-mantle regions after in vitro fatigue loading
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation
Date
7-31-2004
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Analysis of Variance; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Biomechanics; *Bone Cements; Cadaver; Femur; *Hip Prosthesis; Humans; Materials Testing; Prosthesis Failure; Statistics, Nonparametric; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-Bearing
Disciplines
Orthopedics | Rehabilitation and Therapy
Abstract
An in vitro study of cemented femoral hip components was conducted to determine if microcracks in the cement mantle would preferentially form in thin-mantle regions as a result of cyclic fatigue loading via stair-climbing. Overall, there was not an increased amount of microcracks in thin-mantle (<2 >mm) regions (number found/number expected = 0.59, P<.03). However, through cracks that extended between the stem to the bone were more prevalent in thin-mantle regions (number found/number expected = 2.93, P<.03). Although cracks form throughout the cement mantle and appear to grow at the same rate, thin-mantle regions are most likely to have through cracks after fatigue loading. This is consistent with results from at-autopsy studies of well-fixed femoral components and supports the general guideline that thin-mantle regions should be avoided in the cementing of the femoral stem.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: J Arthroplasty. 2004 Aug;19(5):605-12. Link to article on publisher's website
Comments
At the time of publication, David Ayers was not yet affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School.