This test method is intended to help assess the axial locking strength of the acetabular liner in a modular shell when subjected to a tensile loading condition. Additional means of evaluating the locking mechanisms of modular acetabular devices may be appropriate depending upon the design of the device (that is, lever-out, torsional strength, fatigue, and so forth).

This test method may not be appropriate for all implant applications. The user is cautioned to consider the appropriateness of the method in view of the materials and design being tested and their potential application.

While this test method may be used to measure the force required to disengage modular acetabular devices, comparison of such data for various device designs must take into consideration the size of the implant and the type of locking mechanism evaluated. The location of the locking mechanism relative to the load application may be dependent upon the size and design of the acetabular device. In addition, the locking mechanism itself may vary with size, particularly if the design is circumferential in nature (for example, larger diameter implants would have a greater area of acetabular shell/acetabular liner interface than a small diameter implant).