Summary
Three types of hip skids and a Hohmann retractor technique were used to facilitate
reduction of the prosthesis in cadaveric canine total hip replacement. The degree
of damage to the femoral head was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and
optical profilometry. Standard metal and ME-92 coated metal hip skids caused severe
regional scratching of the femoral head. Morphologically similar scratch patterns
were also identified on femoral heads retrieved from clinical patients. Use of a plastic
coated skid or the Hohmann retractor technique had no perceptible effect on surface
finish, and therefore either method is acceptable in clinical practice. The use of
metal hip skids cannot be recommended for hip reduction as the resultant pattern of
femoral head scratching is likely to be associated with early and severe polyethylene
wear.
Keywords
Hip skid - total hip replacement