Biomechanical testing of CPT femoral stem in THR surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biomechanical testing of CPT cemented femoral stem using a simulated periprosthetic fracture model.
IRAS ID
298714
Contact name
Hemant Pandit
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Total hip replacement (THR) surgery provides excellent outcomes and is proven to be cost effective. A THR is made up of a cup which is placed inside the acetabulum (pelvis) and a stem which is placed inside the femur (thigh bone). Either component can be fixed with (cemented) or without cement (cementless). Cemented stems have better success rates than cementless stems and their use is increasing in the UK. Recent reports indicate a higher rate of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) with some cemented stem types. These are fractures of the femur (thigh bone) that occur around the stem. These complex fractures are increasing in incidence and are associated with high complication rates, mortality rates and healthcare costs. Outcomes are often poor and therefore preventative strategies may be more effective than therapeutic ones.
One stem brand (CPT, Zimmer Biomet) is associated with a higher than expected risk for PFF. Observational data has identified risk factors for PFF around cemented stems including stem material (cobalt-chrome versus stainless steel) and cement type (low viscosity cement versus high viscosity cement). These factors can be modified by the surgeon to reduce PFF risk but have never been investigated biomechanically.
The aim of this study is to identify strategies to reduce PFF risk during the original THR surgery. This study will involve implanting the CPT stem under real-life conditions into cadaveric femora (thigh bones donated from deceased NHS patients) and measuring how much force it takes to recreate a typical PFF. Multiple variables, as described, will be under investigation to potentially reduce PFF risk during the original THR surgery, for example, by avoiding a certain type of stem or cement.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
21/WA/0306
Date of REC Opinion
1 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion