Periacetabular stress distributions after joint replacement with subchondral bone retention.

Two-dimensional finite element stress analyses were conducted of the acetabular region after total joint replacement. The effect of subchondral bone retention was evaluated for both conventional and metal-backed acetabular components. Stresses in the bone, cement and acetabular cup were significantly reduced when subchondral bone was retained for both component types. The results indicate that the most favorable stress conditions are created when a metal-backed acetabular component is implanted with subchondral bone retention.