Biomechanical changes of hip joint following different types of corrective osteotomy--photoelastic studies.

The paper presents the results of some comparative experimental studies that show the biomechanical changes which appear following different types of corrective osteotomy. The photoelastic technique was applied to plane models. The modifications in the stress distribution on the contour after the osteotomy in comparison with the situation before surgery were studied. Three types of osteotomy are considered: valgus osteotomy, varus osteotomy and Chiari pelvis osteotomy. Using the same experimental technique, the distribution of the contact pressure at the interface between the polyethylene cup and the femoral head is investigated, for a total hip prosthesis, as the extreme solution in the case of advanced hip arthroses. Both a normal situation and the malposition of prosthetic components were analyzed.