For younger patients many surgeons recommend femoral neck endoprostheses as alternative to stemmed implants in THA. Due to metaphyseal anchorage several advantages are quoted, e.g. preservation of the femoral diaphysis for a revision implant. Determinant factor for long-term implant stability is the load transmission to the bone. Because so far only few information about the load transfer of femoral neck endoprostheses exist, a photoelastic analysis was performed. Aim of the study was the comparison of bony strain pattern before and after implantation of a femoral neck endoprosthesis. ‘Composite-femurs’ (Pacific Research Labs) were used due to of their mechanical characteristics close to human femurs but better reproducibility. Three femurs were coated with photoelastic material. The femurs were loaded prior and post implantation of a femoral neck endoprosthesis type Cigar (ESKA Implants). Test load consisted of the resulting hip joint force and muscle forces (abductors, tractus iliotibialis). Load was applied statically by a universal testing machine and additional weights. Bony strain was measured along the medial, ventral, lateral and dorsal cortex. Statistical analysis of the implant related strain alterations was based on a 99% confidence interval. The unresected femurs showed an excellent match of bony strain patterns. Implantation of femoral neck endoprostheses caused highly significant strain changes at the trochanteric region. Greatest differences were observed at the lateral cortex. Above the implant’s traction screw former areas of tension changed to compression. Along the medial cortex below the resection plane strain reductions were measured but disappeared at the latest at 40 mm below. No significant changes in strain were detected at the ventral and dorsal cortex. Implant related bony strain alterations were limited to the trochanteric region of the femur. A marked strain alteration at the lateral trochanteric aspect was measured. Whether this is of clinical importance can not be answered yet.
