[Limitation to biomechanical studies of total hip and knee arthroplasties]

Since 30 years, total hip and knee arthroplasties have improved the quality of life of those affected by osteoarthritis. Even so, mechanical complications increase with time: implant wear, bone resorption and especially loosening. Biomechanical research has led to major improvements through the study of the mechanical behaviour of both the implant and weightbearing bone. More performing total joint implants will, however, only be developed through an increased understanding of the mechanical characteristics of both normal and osteoarthritis tissue, as well as of the forces undergone by this implant, and especially of the biological response to different kinds of stresses.