Acetabulu s of dogs were replaced with artificial sockets and periodic changes on the femoral heads of dogs were observed roentgenologically, pathohistologically and scanning electron microscopically as one of the series of experiments for total hip prosthesis.
Materials as artificial acetabulum were stainless steel, titanium, HDP (high density polyethyren) and ceramics.
One month after surgery, all these cases showed slight degeneration of the articular cartilage of the femoral head. Most remarkable changes were seen in the case of HDP acetabulum.
More advanced degeneration of cartilage were observed three months after surgery. Furthermore, HDP acetabulum itself deformed.
Defects of articular cartilage on the femoral heads were seen in every cases six months after surgery.
