Factors influencing changes in articular cartilage following hemiarthroplasty in sheep

This study examined the relationship between acetabular cartilage properties after hemiarthroplasty surgery and surgical variables including femoral head size and position. Nineteen sheep received unilateral hip arthroplasties and were euthanized one year post-operatively to harvest the femora and acetabula. Cartilage histology, biochemistry and material properties were determined from samples located in the superior load-bearing region. Femoral head size mismatch, leg length difference, anterior–posterior and medial–lateral offset and anteversion were measured. In the acetabulum, substantial cartilage degradation occurred with widespread fibrillation and significant changes in the biochemical and material properties compared to the intact contralateral joint. Regression analyses on the surgical variables explained 75–80% of the changes in tissue biochemistry but did not explain the material changes. Head size mismatch and leg length difference were the most significant contributors of the five variables examined and therefore may be critical to successful outcome in hemiarthroplasty.