Interfaces in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty is carried out to relieve pain and restore function and the implant should outlast the patient. However failure at one of the interfaces represents the commonest cause of failure of total hip replacement. The durability of the fixation interfaces and the articular interface are therefore critical in determining the long-term performance of the implant. This book accesses the opinions of a number of experts in their field on the important issues and factors influencing the component cement and bone cement interface that contribute to durability of fixation in these areas. In addition they explore how this fixation can be influenced both by the design of the implant, the material properties and the cement. The various material combinations that are available at the articular interface are also presented and the wear properties of and generation of debris from the interfaces are revealed. Important data relating to the critical interfaces which influence the long-term survival of hip arthroplasty is presented.It is only with this information that readers will be able to make rational and informed choices of implants and materials and thus practice both effective and cost-effective medicine.