The Elastic Prosthetic Acetabulum. A New Concept and Design of An Acetabular Replacement

Description of a new design of acetabular replacement which combines the advantages of a real elasticity of the external metallic cup, following the natural movements of the acetabulum with those of a hard rubbing couple.

A trifoliate metal back cup is described: one part, zenithal, is firm while the two others, laterals and lowers, work to adapt to movements and to gradual future changes of the acetabulum. Its special design allows the polyethylene (PE) insert to remain independent of the working parts.

A clinical experimentation of only 33 cases, by precaution, has been carried out, under rules of the French Huriet’s law, and is reported after a follow up of three years. This cup has already produced promising results with the average of Mèrle d’Aubigné and Postel score at 17.31/18 and a Harris hip score at 88.4 points.

These results are an encouragement to go ahead with its development.