BIOMECHANICS OF THE HIP-JOINT AND THE EFFECTS OF FRACTURE OF THE ACETABULUM

The biomechanical analysis of the normal and arthritic hip joint hale been the subject of numerous publications in orthopaedics. Biomechanic al investigations focusing on the effect of fractures of the acetabulu m on the alteration of hip joint mechanics have been a recent developm ent, This paper outlines currently available methodologies for simulat ing load across the flip, and as measuring articular contact and conta ct stresses, Results of investigations of posterior wall fractures and transverse fractures of the acetabulum are presented. Directions for future research in the area of mechanical investigations of acetabular fractures are discussed.