The effect of hemiarthroplasty implant modulus on contact mechanics: an experimental investigation.

Background: Hemiarthroplasties cause damage to the cartilage that they articulate against, which is a major limitation to their use. This study investigated the use of lower-stiffness materials to determine whether they improve hemiarthroplasty contact mechanics and thus reduce the risk of cartilage damage.

Methods: Eleven fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities were disarticulated and fixed in a custom-built jig that applied a static load of 50 N to the radiocapitellar joint.