The effect of under-reaming on the cup/bone interface of a press fit hip replacement

This paper explores the effect of under-reaming on micromotion at the cup/bone interface of a press-fit acetabular cup. A cadaver experiment was performed on 11 acetabuli implanted with a cementless acetabular cup. The loading profile simulated hip impingement at the extremes of motion and subluxation relocation of the hip joint. Micromotion of each cup was measured in a custom made jig with linear variable differential transducers. A CAT scan and DEXA scan of the acetabulum and femoral head respectively were used to construct a three-dimensional patient specific finite element model of the hemi-pelvis. The model predicted cup micromotion under loading conditions and stresses in the acetabulum as a result of cup insertion. Micromotion was then calculated as a function of variable bone density and variable degree of underreaming. Simulated cup insertion with under-reaming of 2 mm or more approached or exceeded the yield strength of bone in acetabula with reduced bone mass density.