The biomechanical role of the horseshoe geometry of the acetabular cartilage is described using a three-dimensional mathematical model. It is shown that the acetabular fossa contributes to a more uniform articular contact stress distribution and a consequent decrease in the peak contact stress. Based on the results it is suggested that the characteristic horseshoe shape of the articular cartilage in the human acetabulum optimizes the contact stress distribution in the hip joint.

Laboratory of Biomechanics Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Czech Technical University Prague 6 Czech Republic

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