Normal digital flexion relies on flexor tendon pulleys to transmit linear muscular force to angular digital motion. Despite the critical role these pulleys play, there is a growing trend among surgeons to partially sacrifice or “vent” them during flexor tendon repair to improve surgical exposure. Although this new practice is reported to improve outcomes after flexor tendon repair, there is concern for the long-term effects of bowstringing, reduced finger range of motion (ROM) and altered tendon biomechanics. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of the application of a thermoplastic ring, acting as an “external” pulley, on flexor tendon biomechanics and finger ROM. We hypothesized that the application of an external thermoplastic ring would produce a centripetal force over the tendon to reduce bowstringing, improve finger ROM, and restore tendon loads following pulley venting

Twelve digits comprised of the index, long, and ring fingers from four cadaveric specimens were tested using a novel in-vitro active finger motion simulator. Servo-motors were used to generate motion. Loads induced by flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), and joint range of motion were measured with each sequential sectioning of the A2, A3, and A4 flexor pulley, in comparison to a native healthy finger condition. At each finger condition, A2 and A4 external thermoplastic pulley rings were applied over the proximal phalanx and middle phalanx, respectively, to recreate A2 and A4 function. Results were recorded and analyzed using a one way repeated-measures ANOVA.

Following venting of the A2, A3 and A4 pulley, proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) ROM significantly decreased by 17.02 ± 8.42 degrees and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) range of motion decreased by 17.25 ± 8.68 degrees compared to intact pulleys. Application of the external rings restored range of motion to within 8.14 ± 8.17 degrees at the PIPJ and to within 7.72 ± 8.95 degrees at the DIPJ. Similarly, pulley venting resulted in a 36% reduction in FDS load and 50% in FDP load compared to intact pulleys. Following application of the external rings, loads were almost restored to normal at 7% reduction for FDS load and 13% reduction for FDP load.

Venting of flexor tendon pulleys significantly alters flexor tendon biomechanics and digit range of motion. The application of thermoplastic rings acting as external pulleys over the proximal and middle phalanges is an effective, inexpensive, non-invasive and reproducible therapeutic method to restore flexor tendon biomechanics and digit range of motion.

Introduction

Total ankle replacement (TAR) is surgically complex; malalignment can arise due to surgical technique or failure to correct natural varus/valgus malalignment. Across joint replacement, malalignment has been associated with pain, component edge loading, increased wear and higher failure rates. Good component alignment is considered instrumental for long term TAR success. The conforming surface geometry of mobile bearing TARs leaves no freedom for coronal plane malalignment. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effect of coronal alignment on a mobile bearing TAR.

Introduction

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) currently experiences increased popularity. It is usually assumed that UKA shows kinematic features closer to the natural knee than total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Especially in younger patients more natural knee function and faster recovery have helped to increase the popularity of UKA. Another leading reason for the popularity of UKA is the ability to preserve the remaining healthy tissues in the knee, which is not always possible in TKA. Many biomechanical questions remain, however, with respect to this type of replacement.

25% of knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis also have a deficient anterior cruciate ligament [1]. In current clinical practice, medial UKA would be contraindicated in these patients. Our hypothesis is that kinematics after UKA in combination with ACL reconstruction should allow to restore joint function close to the native knee joint. This is clinically relevant, because functional benefits for medial UKA should especially be attractive to the young and active patient.

Introduction

The objective of our study was to determine the extent to which the quality of the biomechanical reconstruction when performing hip replacement influences gait performances. We aimed to answer the following questions: 1) Does the quality of restoration of hip biomechanics after conventional THR influence gait outcomes? (question 1), and 2) Is HR more beneficial to gait outcomes when compared with THR? (question 2).

Electron Microscopy and Synchrotron analysis of Heterotopic Ossification (HO) from blast-related amputees' has shown that HO is bone with a disorganised structure and altered remodelling. This research performs mechanical testing of HO to understand its biomechanical properties in an attempt to create an accurate model to predict its morphological appearance. The hypothesis of this work is that HO is mechanically mediated in its formation.

Synchrotron mechanical analysis of HO samples was performed to measure Young's modulus, ultimate strength and density distribution. A novel algorithm based on Wolf's law was implemented in a Finite Element (FE) analysis model of HO to take into account the differing mechanical and biological properties measured and the presence of HO outside the skeletal system.

An HO modeling factor, which considers boundary conditions, and regulates recruitment of the soft tissue into bone formation, results in a re-creatable formation of HO within the soft tissues, comparable to the appearance of HO seen in military amputees. The results and model demonstrates that certain types of HO are under the control of endogenous and exogenous mechanical stimulus. HO can thus be mechanically exploited in the casualty management and rehabilitation process to achieve better clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

Combining novel diverse population-based software with a clinically-demonstrated implant design is redefining total hip arthroplasty. This contemporary stem design utilized a large patient database of high-resolution CT bone scans in order to determine the appropriate femoral head centers and neck lengths to assist in the recreation of natural head offset, designed to restore biomechanics. There are limited studies evaluating how radiographic software utilizing reference template bone can reconstruct patient composition in a model. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the application of a modern analytics system utilizing 3D modeling technology in the development of a primary stem was successful in restoring patient biomechanics, specifically with regards to femoral offset (FO) and leg length discrepancy (LLD).

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was developed to address the treatment of patients with Cuff Tear Arthropathy. Despite of the clinical improvements seen with initial reverse shoulder replacements, several mechanical problems remain. Scapular notching has been reported between 24.5% and 96% of cases. Patients have also exhibited limited external rotation, either from impingement or slackening of remaining cuff musculature. Additionally, by medializing and moving the humerus distally, patients note a loss of the normal deltoid contour leading not only to cosmetic concerns, but possibly decreasing deltoid efficiency and creating a prosthesis with less inherent stability. Finally, although mechanical failure on the glenoid side initially was thought to be uncommon, various glenoid sided problems have been reported.

Recognition of these problems led to clinical and basic science studies aimed at improving surgical technique and the design of reverse shoulder implants. During the last 10 years, our institution has been conducting biomechanical research examining the forces across the glenohumeral joint. Several different models have been created to replicate mechanical failures by integrating biomechanical information with our clinical investigations, including altering the position of the implant (tilt), the type of fixation of the implant (screw or peg), and glenoid-sided bone loss. We were able to address glenoid component failure (with initial rates of 10% in our clinical studies) by recommending locking screws to neutralize forces at the fixation site. These discoveries have reduced glenoid-sided fixation failures to less than 0.1%.

In vitro kinematic function and factors that affect impingement free glenohumeral motion of reversed implants is another area of interest. The clinical relevance of impingement includes scapular-notching, pain from impingement, instability and excessive prosthetic wear. Several models that include motion in three different planes (flexion-extension, abduction-adduction and internal-external rotation) have been developed to study multiple prosthetic, technique and anatomic factors which can result from varying degrees of impingement. By integrating the results from these models into our clinical practice (e.g., selecting a more lateralized glenosphere, selecting a varus humeral component and inferiorly translating the glenoid component on the glenoid surface), we have been able to maintain low rates of notching (∼10% at 8 year follow-up). Finally, our current work involves development of a model that attempts to understand which factors might be influential in causing instability and stiffness. Thus, biomechanics research offers an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration to solve complex clinical problems.

Introduction

Natural population variation in femoral morphology results in a large range of offsets, anteversion angles and lengths. During total hip arthroplasty, accurate restoration of hip biomechanics is essential to achieve good functional results. One option is to restore the anatomic hip rotation center. Alternatively, medializing the rotation center and compensating by increasing the femoral offset, reduces acetabular contact forces and increases the abductor lever arm. We investigated the ability of two cemented stem systems to restore hip biomechanics in an anatomic and medialized way. We compared an undersized “Exeter-type” of stem with three offset options and 18 sizes (CPT, Zimmer), to a line-to-line “Kerboul-type” of stem with proportional offset and 12 sizes (Centris, Mathys).

Introduction

Uncemented press-fit cups provide bone fixation in primary total hip replacement (THR). However, sometimes screws are needed to achieve primary stability of the socket. We analyzed biomechanical factors related to press-fit in seven cup designs and assessed whether screw use provides similar loosening rates to those of the press-fit technique.

Increased modularity of total hip arthroplasty components has occurred, with theoretical advantages and disadvantages. Recent literature indicates the potential for elevated revision rates of modular neck systems and the potential for metallosis and ALVAL (Aseptic Lymphocyte dominated Vasculitis Associated Lesion) formation at the modular neck/stem site. Retrieval analysis of one modular neck implant design including SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) assessment was done and correlated to FEA (Finite Element Analysis) as well as clinical features of patient demographics, implant and laboratory analysis. Correlation of the consistent corrosion locations to FEA indicates that the material and design features of this system may result in a biomechanical reason for failure. The stem aspect of the modular neck/stem junction may be at particular risk.

A good understanding of musculoskeletal pathologies not only requires a good knowledge of normal human anatomy but also an insight in human evolution and development. Biomechanical studies of the musculoskeletal system have greatly improved our understanding of the human musculoskeletal system via medical imaging, modeling and simulation techniques. The same techniques are, however, also used in the study of nonhuman species and a comparison of human and nonhuman data can yield interesting insight in form-function relationships and mechanical constraints on motion.

Anatomical and biomechanical studies on dogs and rabbits have already yielded valuable insight in disease mechanisms and development of musculoskeletal pathologies such as osteoarthritis (OA). Nonhuman primates have, however, rarely been studied in this context, though they may prove particularly valuable as they can provide us with an evolutionary context of modern human anatomy and pathology. The high prevalence of osteoarthritis in modern humans and its rare occurrence in wild primates has previously been explained as due to human joints being ‘underutilized’ or ‘underdesigned’. Modern humans are highly specialized for bipedalism, while nonhuman primates typically use a wide range of locomotor modes and joint postures to travel through the three-dimensionally complex forest canopy. These hypotheses can, however, be challenged, as it seems more likely that the low occurrence of OA in wild primates is due to a combination of underreporting of the disease and absence of the ageing effect in these species. Our understanding of musculoskeletal function and disease in modern humans would clearly benefit from more studies investigating the occurrence and characteristics of OA in nonhuman primates.

Introduction

Although Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to correct abnormal frontal plane knee biomechanics, little is known about this effect beyond 6 months. The purpose of this study was to compare sequentially the knee adduction moment during level-walking before and after TKA in varus knees. We hypothesized that adduction moment would diminish after TKA proportionate to the tibio-femoral realignment in degrees.

Introduction

Total disc replacement (TDR) provides an alternative to fusion that is designed to preserve motion at the treated level and restore disc height. The effects of TDR on spine biomechanics at the treated and adjacent levels are not fully understood. Thus, the present study investigated facet changes in contact pressure, peak contact pressure, force, peak force, and contact area at the facet joints after TDR.

This study aimed to examine the effect of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) on the ankle and subtalar joints via analysis of static radiographic alignment. We hypothesised that surgical alteration of the alignment of the proximal tibia would result in compensatory distal changes. 35 patients recruited as part of the wider Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre Versus Arthritis HTO study between 2011 and 2018 had pre- and postoperative full-length weightbearing radiographs taken of their lower limbs. In addition to standard alignment measures of the limb and knee (mechanical tibiofemoral angle, Mikulicz point, medial proximal tibial angle), additional measures were taken of the ankle/subtalar joints (lateral distal tibial angle, ground-talus angle, joint line convergence angle of the ankle) as well as a novel measure of stance width. Results were compared using a paired T-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Following HTO, there was a significant (5.4°) change in subtalar alignment. Ground-talus angle appeared related both to the level of malalignment preoperatively and the magnitude of the alignment change caused by the HTO surgery; suggesting subtalar positioning as a key adaptive mechanism. In addition to compensatory changes within the subtalar joints, the patients on average had a 31% wider stance following HTO. These two mechanisms do not appear to be correlated but the morphology of the tibial plafond may influence which compensatory mechanisms are employed by different subgroups of HTO patients. These findings are of vital importance in clinical practice both to anticipate potential changes to the ankle and subtalar joints following HTO but it could also open up wider indications for HTO in the treatment of ankle malalignment and osteoarthritis

Low back pain is more common in women than men, yet most studies of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration do not address sex differences. In humans, there are sex differences in spinal anatomy and degenerative changes in biomechanics, and animal models of chronic pain have demonstrated sex differences in pain transduction. However, there are few studies investigating sex differences in annular puncture IVD degeneration models. IVD puncture is known to result in progressive biomechanical alterations, but whether these IVD changes correlate with pain is unknown. This study used a rat IVD injury model to determine if sex differences exist in mechanical allodynia, biomechanics, and the relationship between them, six weeks after IVD injury. Procedures were IACUC approved. 24 male & 24 female four-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a sham or annular puncture injury surgery (n=12 male, 12 female). In injury groups, three lumbar IVDs were each punctured three times with a needle, and injected with tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Mechanical allodynia was tested biweekly using von Frey filaments. Six weeks after IVD injury, rats were euthanized and motion segments were dissected for non-destructive axial tension-compression and torsional rotation biomechanical testing. Two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections identified statistically significant differences (p < 0 .05) and correlations used Pearson's coefficient. Annular puncture injury induced a significant increase in mechanical allodynia compared to sham in male but not female rats up to six weeks after injury. There was a significant sex effect on both torque range and torsional stiffness, with males exhibiting greater stiffness and torque range than females. Tensile stiffness, compressive stiffness, and axial range of motion showed no sex difference. Males and females showed similar patterns of correlation between variables when sham and injury groups were analyzed together, but correlations were stronger in males. Most correlations were clustered within testing approach: axial biomechanics negatively correlated, torsional biomechanics positively correlated, and von Frey thresholds positively correlated. Surprisingly, mechanical allodynia did not correlate with any biomechanics after injury, and the axial and torsional biomechanics showed little correlation. This study demonstrates that males and females respond to IVD injury differently. Given the absence of correlation between pain and biomechanics, pain cannot be attributed completely to biomechanical changes. This may explain why spinal fusion surgery, an intervention limited to the spine, has produced inconsistent results and is controversial for patients with low back pain. Thus, in addressing low back pain, we must consider both spinal tissues and the nervous system. Further, the limited correlation between axial and torsional biomechanics indicates that IVD injury may have distinct effects on nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. Biomechanics did not differ between sham and injury at week six, suggesting healing after injury. It remains possible that acute biomechanical changes may initiate chronic pain pathogenesis. We conclude that the observed sex differences demonstrate the need for inclusion of both males and females in IVD injury and pain studies, and suggest that males and females may require different treatments for conditions that appear similar

The function of the shoulder joint has traditionally been evaluated based on range of motion (ROM) in predefined anatomical planes and also by using functional scores, which assessed shoulder function based on the ability to conduct certain activities of daily living (ADLs). However, measuring ROM only in terms of flexion-extension, abduction-adduction and internal-external rotation may under-account for the 3-dimensional mobility of the shoulder joint. Furthermore, functional scores, such as the Oxford shoulder score or American shoulder and elbow surgeons (ASES) score, are subjective measures and are not an accurate assessment of shoulder joint function. In this study, we proposed the use of the globe model of the shoulder joint which can be used to provide an objective measure of the global ROM and also function of the shoulder joint – termed the Global and Functional arc of motion (GAM and FAM). Thirty-three young, healthy male patients (23.7 ± 1.5 years) were recruited and tasked to perform eight ADLs and a full humeral circumduction movement which represented their active global ROM. Reflective markers were placed in accordance to the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) and optical-based motion capture cameras were used to track relative motion of the dominant humerus with respect to the thorax (i.e. thoracohumeral motion). The GAM and FAM were generated by plotting the thoracohumeral on a spherical coordinate system during global ROM and the eight ADLs respectively. Shoulder joint global ROM and function were quantified by calculating the area enclosed by the closed loop of GAM and FAM respectively. The spherical coordinate system, or more commonly referred to as the globe model, describes thoracohumeral movement using plane of elevation (POE), angle of elevation (AOE) and rotation. In our model, POE and AOE represents longitude and latitude of the globe respectively, and rotation is depicted using a red-green-blue (RGB) colour scale. Overall, subject's GAM of the shoulder joint covered an area of 4.64 ± 0.48 units2 compared to only 1.12 ± 0.26 units2 for the FAM. Subjects only required 24.4 ± 5.7 % of their global shoulder ROM for basic daily functioning. Studies that reduced shoulder joint movement into planar movements (i.e. sagittal, coronal and rotation) do not account for the 3-dimensional nature of the joint and doing so may overestimate the requirement of the shoulder joint for ADLs relative to its ROM in each plane. While others have attempted to use the globe model, such studies tend to reduce the globe into its descriptive angles (i.e. POE, AOE and rotation), reducing its intuitiveness. In contrast, by keeping an intact globe, the proposed globe model was more intuitive and yet capable of quantifying both shoulder joint global ROM and function. Doing so, we found that young healthy subjects only required approximately a quarter of their global ROM of the shoulder joint to complete the most common daily tasks, which was significantly less than what was previously reported

Purpose. Identifying knee osteoarthritis patient phenotypes is relevant to assessing treatment efficacy. Biomechanics have not been applied to phenotyping, yet features may be related to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes, an inherently mechanical surgery. This study aimed to identify biomechanical phenotypes among TKA candidates based on demographic and gait mechanic similarities, and compare objective gait improvements between phenotypes post-TKA. Methods. Patients scheduled for TKA underwent 3D gait analysis one-week pre (n=134) and one-year post-TKA (n=105). Principal Component Analysis was applied to frontal and sagittal knee angle and moment gait waveforms, extracting the major patterns of gait variability. Demographics (age, gender, BMI), gait speed, and frontal and sagittal pre-TKA gait angle and moment PC scores previously found to differentiate gender, osteoarthritis severity, and symptoms of TKA recipients were standardized (mean=0, SD=1). Multidimensional scaling (2D) and hierarchical clustering were applied to the feature set [134×15]. Number of clusters was assessed by silhouette coefficients, s, and stability by Adjusted Rand Indices (ARI). Clusters were validated by examining inter-cluster differences at baseline, and inter-cluster gait changes (Post. PCscore. –Pre. PCscore. , n=105) by k-way Chi-Squared, Kruskal-Wallace, ANOVA and Tukey's HSD. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results. Four (k=4) TKA candidate groups yielded optimum clustering metrics (s=0.37, ARI=0.57). Cluster 1 was a compact (n=7) male cluster, walking with faster gait speeds (1.20.2m/s, 3<2<1,4, P<0.001) and higher adduction moment magnitudes (PC1, 3,4<2,1, P<0.001). Cluster 1 had the most dynamic kinematic (stance-phase flexion angle range PC4, 3,4,2<1, P<0.001) and kinetic (flexion moment range PC2, 3<2<4<1, P<0.001; adduction moment range PC2, 3,2<4<1, P<0.001 and PC3, 3,2<1, P=0.001) loading/un-loading range patterns among the clusters. Cluster 1 represented a higher-functioning (less “stiff-kneed”) male subset, most resembling asymptomatic patterns. Cluster 2 was also mostly males (44/47), demonstrating adduction moment magnitudes (PC1) comparable to Cluster 1. However, Cluster 2 was older (67.07.4years, 1,4<2, P=006), walking with slower gait speeds (0.80.2m/s), and less flexion moment (PC2) and adduction moment (PC2) range; representing an older, “stiff-kneed” male subset. Cluster 3 was mostly females (32/34) with the slowest gait speeds (0.70.1m/s), the lowest overall flexion angle magnitudes (PC1, 3<2,4,1, P<0.001), stance-to-swing flexion angle (PC2, 3<2,1, P=0.004) and flexion moment range (PC2). Cluster 3 captured a slow female subset, with the “stiffest-kneed” gait among the clusters. Cluster 4 was mostly females (43/46) with faster gait speeds (1.00.1m/s) and less stiff kinematic and kinetic patterns relative to Clusters 2–3, representing a higher-functioning female phenotype. Post-TKA, higher-functioning clusters demonstrated less dynamic gait improvement (flexion angle ΔPC2, 1,4,2<3, P<0.001; flexion moment ΔPC2, 4<2,3, P=0.009; adduction moment ΔPC2, 1<3, P=0.01), with some sagittal range patterns decreasing post-operatively. Conclusions. TKA candidates were characterized by four clusters, differing by demographics and biomechanical severity features. Pre-TKA, stiff-kneed clusters (2 and 3) had less dynamic loading/un-loading kinetics. Post-TKA functional gains were cluster-specific; stiff-kneed clusters experienced more improvement, while higher-functioning clusters demonstrated some functional decline. Results suggest the presence of cohorts who may not benefit functionally from TKA. Cluster profiling may aid in triaging and developing osteoarthritis management and surgical strategies that meet individual or group-level function needs

For evaluating the impact of knee surgery, cadaveric knee simulators are commonly applied. However, most of the knee simulators are based on the Oxford type as originally described by Zavatsky (Zavatsky, J. of Biomechanics, 1997). These simulators mainly focus on the squatting motion. Although a wide range of flexion angles can be examined while performing this motion, the significance for activities of daily living is limited. To that extent a new knee simulator has recently been developed at Ghent University. In this simulator, the ankle motion is dynamically controlled in the sagittal plane; both in the proximal/distal direction and the anterior/posterior direction. As a result, this simulator allows simulating random motion patterns, e.g. cycling, stair ascent and descent, … The ankle translation is unrestrained in the medial/lateral direction. In addition, all rotational degrees of freedom are unrestrained at the ankle, resulting in four degrees of freedom at the ankle. The hip adds one rotational degree of freedom being the rotation in the sagittal plane. This leaves 5 degrees of freedom (DOF) to the knee; the sixth being flexion/extension that is controlled by the actuators at the ankle. During the simulation of different motion patterns, the quadriceps and hamstring force are actively controlled to mimic realistic conditions obtained through musculoskeletal simulations. In this study, five cadaveric experiments have been performed on the simulator. While mounting the cadaveric specimens in the test rig, the initial alignment remains crucial. Whilst the rig leaves 5 DOF to the knee, it is important to restore the anatomical position of the hip and ankle. To minimize the impact of the mounting procedure, cadaver specific 3D printed guides are used to assure the alignment of the cadaver in the test rig. As a result, the kinematics are more likely to represent physiological conditions. These kinematics have been evaluated in accordance to the methodology described by Grood&Suntay (Grood & Suntay, Transactions of the ASME, 1983). Therefore, a CT scan of the examined knee is combined with motion tracking data from rigidly attached markers on both the femur and the tibia. The cadaveric knees have been subjected to a variety of motion patterns, i.e. squatting and cycling. The squatting experiments provide evidence that the knee simulator creates adequate boundary conditions as the kinematic patterns coincide with literature reportings. The cycling experiments however significantly differ from the squatting patterns. Most noteworthy is the difference in terms of internal/external rotation for these native knees (Figure 1). This internal/external rotations is highly fluctuating from flexion to extension. This is understood as the quadriceps force is not constant during the extension phase, representing physiological conditions. Conclusion. Significant difference in knee kinematics between squatting and cycling indicates the importance of testing a variety of conditions. Furthermore, this reveals the need to study clinically relevant motion patterns, selected from patient reported outcomes

Stress shielding of the proximal femur occurs in stemmed implants. Resurfacing implant does not invade the intramedullary region. We studied the stress patterns in conventional and nonstemmed designs. Methods. FE model geometry was based on standard femur from the international Society of Biomechanics Mesh Repository. Loading simulated for one- legged stance with body weight of 826 N. 2 regions were defined, R1 (40 mm from tip of head) and R2 41 mm–150 mm) of the intramedullary part of the stemmed model's interface with bone. 2 different loading conditions bending and torsion were compared for stress and strain. The FE model was solved with ANSYS version 6.1 on a single processor NT station. Results. With conventional implants, stem shields cortical bone from being loaded. In nonstemmed implants, Von Misses stress contours show a similar distribution as intact bone, transferring loads to the cortical shell but with higher stresses and a maximum displacement of 17.39% higher than that of intact bone. 15–23 mm proximal to R2 and around 110 mm, region of the stem tip, there were higher stress and strain concentrations. Conclusion. Based on simulations, nonstemmed implants provide more physiological loading compared to conventional implants though stress shielding increases in region of the stem in resurfacing implant

Background. High functional aspirations and an active ageing population equate to a growing number of patients awaiting hip arthroplasty demanding superior biomechanical function. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of top walking speed between two commonly used hip arthroplasty procedures to determine if a performance advantage existed. Methods. A retrospective comparative study was performed using sixty-seven subjects, twenty-two subjects in both hip resurfacing and total hip arthroplasty groups along with twenty-three healthy controls. All arthroplasty subjects were recruited based on high psychometric scoring and had been performed through a posterior approach, and had been discharged from follow-up. On an instrumented treadmill each subject was measured by a researcher blinded to which procedure that patient had undergone. After a six minute acclimatization period, the speed was increased incrementally until top walking performance had been attained. At all increments, ground reaction forces and temporospatial measurements were collected. Results. The two arthroplasty groups were well matched demographically, with no significant differences with regards to age, sex, height, BMI and pre-operative radiological severity. Treadmill temporospatial analysis demonstrated significant differences between the two groups. The hip resurfacing group were able to walk statistically faster (p=0.023) with an increased step length(p=0.041). The top walking speed mean of 2.06m/sec by the resurfacing almost matched the healthy controls. Assessing ground reaction forces and symmetry also demonstrated hip resurfacing was superior (Graph 1). [Graph 1: Mean Gait Biomechanics at Top Speed]. Conclusion. This study is the first to focus on high end performance following hip arthroplasty, encouraging patients to achieve as high a speed as they comfortably could. The total hip arthroplasty group walked nine percent faster than the previously published top speed of 1.73m/sec, however the resurfacings still walked ten percent faster, matching the normal controls for speed and step length