Question Use of Parts from different manufacturers

[mpfossenier]

Does anyone know if it is proper or improper to use a ball/cup from one manufacturer with a ball/cup from a different one? I.e., a stryker cup and johnson ball. I was told they were not compatible due to being different sizes, and it lead to a number of dislocations until it was replaced with properly fitting parts. Any ideas on who I can speak with on this?

MPF

 

[ruthz]

Hello: You can contact the company that manufactures the implant you are thinking of. Also, your orthopedic surgeon should have that information for you.

In my case, I have the Conserve Plus resurfacing femoral components and the Conserve acetabular components. It is my understanding that the companies that manufacture resurfacing components and total hip components use the same acetabular cup for either a resurfacing or a replacement but that is as "interchangeable" as they get. I can see where mixing and matching can be problematic - it seems there are small but significant differences in the design of one company's products as compared to another's.

Perhaps other posters have more information?

Ruth Z
bilateral hip resurfacing 4/6/06 Los Angeles,California

 

[Josephine]

Short answer is NO - products from different companies should not be interchanged. Anymore than you should try to fit Vauxhall pistons in a Ford engine.

Thus, when making a ball and socket joint, each firm sets its own specifications on the machines making each part so they are set to the same tolerances and match perfectly. The difference from one firm to another might only be in microns but can make a heck of a difference to the stability of the 'hybrid' implant.