Longitudinal crack propagation in bone around femoral prosthesis

S. J. Incavo, F. DiFazio, D. Wilder, J. G. Howe, M. Pope

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intraoperative femoral fracture is a well-recognized technical complication of cementless total hip arthroplasty. This study was designed to establish an in vitro model for initiation and propagation of fractures of the proximal femur in cementless THA and to assess the effect of fracture fixation in the form of cerclage wiring and drilling a hole in the distal extent of the fracture line. Fourteen human anatomic femur specimens were studied. Longitudinal cracks were made and propagation was performed on a materials testing system machine. A drill hole at the tip of a longitudinal crack does not prevent crack propagation. However, cerclage wiring has a statistically significant effect (p < 0.025) on the ability of the fractured femur to withstand increased load.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)175-180
Number of pages6
JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
Volume272
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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