Next-generation soft-tissue-friendly large-diameter femoral head

Large-diameter femoral heads are being used increasingly in total hip arthroplasty (THA) to minimize hip dislocation risk. However, recent studies have shown that conventional large heads can impinge on native soft tissues, particularly the iliopsoas, leading to activity-limiting anterior hip pain. To address this, a novel soft-tissue-friendly anatomically contoured femoral head (ACH) was developed. This paper describes the design rationale and pre-clinical testing of the ACH implant. The test results demonstrate that anatomical contouring of large-diameter femoral heads for soft-tissue relief can be accomplished without affecting dislocation resistance, femoroacetabular contact area, or wear performance in ceramic-on-polyethylene implants.