Abstract
The experimental comparison between bonded and unbonded types stem-cement interface was carried out on axisymmetric stem-cement-aluminum model of the femoral component of a total hip replacement. Human femur was modeled in non-tapered and tapered($7.5^{\circ}$) aluminum hollow cylinders to emulate the diaphyseal and metaphyseal segments of the femur. For unbonded type, we tested stems with three different taper angles($5^{\circ},\;7.5^{\circ},\;10^{\circ}$). In every case, the cement-aluminum interface was designed to endure 8MPa shear strength. (a measured value at cement-bone interface) We tested aluminum models under axial loading for both cases. As an experimental result, it was found that unbonded stem sustained more axial load as bonded stem in both cases, diaphyseal and metaphyseal models. The unbonded types failed in cement mantle under axial compressive load, while the bonded ones failed in shear at cement-aluminum interface. These results suggest that a polished stem will sustain much higher axial load than a roughened stem. And a polished stem will make more stable cement-bone interface that may promote better osteosythesis around the stem.
