Hybrid composite-metal implants 'restrict stress shielding'

Patients undergoing hip resurfacing using hybrid composite-metal implants are less suitable recipients of stress shielding, a study suggested.

Research published in scientific journal Damage and Fracture Mechanics has also found that hip resurfacing patients receiving this treatment have a higher potential for bone apposition.

It found that the composite implant resulted in approximately 16 per cent more stress being placed on the bone than in other cases.

The cup used in the study was constructed of carbon fibre and polyamide 12, before being given a thin layer of Co-Cr.

"Finite element method was applied to analyse and compare the biomechanical performances of both composite and Co-Cr implants," the authors explained.

Recent research published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery has advised doctors to give consideration to early revision for patients displaying symptoms of pseudotumours after hip resurfacing operations, as this can minimise the soft tissue destruction experienced.

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