Impaction

Endoprosthetic components are generally impacted into the skeleton. The mechanics of impaction is not well understood, but could lead to damage and early failure. Various instruments have been instrumented with an impulse load cell, with up to 100kHz sampling frequency, and used to document the forces applied by surgeons, to control loads applied experimentally, and as input to models. A new flexible system is currently under development to allow intra-operative force measurements using standard implantation equipment. The effect of impaction on bone damage is also being studied.

Publications:

Rehmer et al, The influence of press-fit cup stiffness on deformation and push-out forces, ORS, New Orleans 2010-poster

Bishop et al, Mechanics of impaction of uncemented femural resurfacing components, IMechE,”Engineers and Surgeons: Joined at the Hip”, London 2007 – Conference Proceeding