title: Pre-clinical evaluation of the Cambridge acetabular cup.
abstract: It is postulated that the stiffness of current acetabular designs compromises long-term component stability. We present a novel acetabular component design that is horseshoe shaped and has a large diameter bearing. It is made from composite materials and is designed to match the stiffness of subchondral bone. It is intended that stress shielding will be minimised and that the distribution of stress will be improved. The mechanical and biological suitability of the composite has been confirmed. A range of standard and non-standard, pre-clinical, tests have established the robustness and safety of the new component. The efficacy of the new design has been evaluated by clinical trial on 50 patients. Optimal results were obtained using the hydroxyapatite (HA) coated cups. Our results support the new design concept, with the caveat that biological fixation is imperative. Minor design modifications are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Research Unit, South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre, Epsom, UK.
authors.forename: Richard E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nuijten
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Storer
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cronin
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rushton
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum; D008422:Materials Testing; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design