Biomechanical study of various greater trochanter positions.

A mathematical model was used in order to evaluate the mechanical situation after lateral, medial, distal and proximal displacements of the greater trochanter. It was calculated that lateral displacement may considerably reduce the hip joint contact force, while medial displacement greatly increases it. The influence of proximalization and distalization is much less pronounced. It was further shown that, regarding the postoperative relative hip abductor muscle strength, lateral and distal displacements of the greater trochanter are favourable, while proximal and medial displacements are not.