Abstract
This paper describes a simple modelling technique used to study the load transfer in the proximal femur in total hip replacement. Model femora cast in a rigid polyurethane foam and prostheses made from various plastics were used to study the effects of individual design parameters on stresses in the femur and prosthesis. The technique was applied in this study to examine the effects on the load transfer of two geometrically identical prostheses simulating two different materials, viz. titanium and chrome cobalt. The model simulating titanium produced more physiological femoral stresses and lower stem stresses. The technique proved to be a simple yet reliable method of studying individual parameters related to the design of femoral prostheses.
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