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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
Biomechanical analysis of polypropylene prosthetic implants for hernia repair: an experimental study
Fabrice Sergent1, Nicolas Desilles, Yann Lacoume
1Rouen University, UPRES EA GRHV, France. Fabrice.Sergent@chu-rouen.fr
Background:
Although polypropylene (PP) is the most common biomaterial used for ventral and inguinal hernia repairs, its mechanical properties remain obscure.
Methods:
Retraction, solidity, and elasticity of 3 large pore-size monofilament PP prostheses, 1 heavy-weight PP (HWPP), a second low-weight PP, and a third coated with atelocollagen were evaluated in a rabbit incisional hernia model. A small pore-size multifilament PP implant (MPP) also was tested.
Results:
Unlike pore size, the weight of the prosthesis was not an influencing factor for retraction. Atelocollagen coating reduced retraction (P < .05). HWPP and MPP were less likely to rupture (P < .05). HWPP had comparatively better elasticity (P < .05), whereas MPP supported the greatest elastic force (P < .05). Nevertheless, the amount of shrinkage of MPP (30% of the original size) made this prosthesis unusable.
Conclusions:
In this study, HWPP presented the most advantageous biomechanical compromise for hernia surgery.
