Factors influencing the initial micromotion between polyethylene acetabular cups and titanium alloy shells.

Abstract

Mechanical test factors affecting short-term rotational stability under combined torsional and compressive loading was assessed in modular press-fit acetabular components with 4 different locking mechanism designs, by measuring the micromotion of the liner-shell interface at either room (20 degrees C) or body temperature (37 degrees C) and with either a high (2,943 N) or low (490 N) compressive load. Liner-shell constructs whose short-term stability was statistically significantly affected by temperature exhibited more rotational stability at body temperature than at room temperature. Liner-shell constructs whose short-term stability was statistically significantly affected by the level of compressive load exhibited more rotational stability with high compressive loads than with low loads. Liner-shell constructs with different locking mechanism designs were influenced by temperature and compressive loads differently. It is recommended to consider including these factors in tests of acetabular component locking mechanisms.