Comparison of the deformation response of synthetic and cadaveric femora during simulated one-legged stance

In a previous study a set of first-generation (amber-colored) synthetic bones were tested and found to have an extremely variable interbone deformation response. Recently a second-generation (yellow-colored) fiber-reinforced epoxy femur became commercially available through Pacific Research Labs Inc. (Vashon Island, WA). The deformation response of these bones in the proximal femur was characterized in anatomical bending to determine their usefulness in hip implant studies. Composite bones of adolescent size were tested. Two size-matched cadaveric femora were tested for comparison using the same fixtures.