The driving reactions of 25 patients were assessed before and after operation for hip replacement. Driving reactions were tested by monitoring the delay and force of brake application after an emergency signal, using a simulated driving control system. Fifteen normal subjects were also tested. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between patients with either left or right hip replacement and between pre- and postoperative testing. Most patients improved by the eighth week, but some had deteriorated and did not recover until re-tested eight months after operation. It is concluded that for most patients eight weeks' delay for return to driving is appropriate, but for a minority of patients with right hip replacement recovery of reaction speed requires longer rehabilitation.

Using sham replacement of the proximal femur in adult mongrel dogs, shear strength at the interface between polymethyhnethdcrylate bone cement and cancellous bone has been found to be linearly dependent on the depth of penetration of the cement into the bone. Shear strength at the interface was increased by 82% and penetration by 74% when distal bone plugging, pressure lavage, and pressurized insertion of cement were employed. Use of a lower-viscosity cement gave a further 18% increase in penetration and shear strength. There was no film of blood at the cement-bone interface with pressurized insertion of Simplex P and Palacos R cements.