ObjectiveTo construct a model of posterior acetabular defect and evaluate the effect of the reconstructive posterior wall on the contact of the acetabulum and femoral head.MethodsThe entire pelvis and articulated femur were obtained from six fresh adult canine cadavers.Animal models of posterior acetabular defects were developed by removing the 60° arc fragment.Different measures were used to reconstruct the defect areas with iliac crest autograft.The pressure-sensitive films were used to calculate the contact area, the mean pressure and the distribution of the pressure between the acetabulum and femoral head.ResultsThe contact area was smaller after reconstruction of posterior wall compared with that of intact posterior wall.The contact areas were not significantly different between the common reconstruction group and the anatomic reconstruction group under a load of 250 N (P>0.05).The mean contact stress of the anatomic reconstruction group was significantly less than that of the common reconstruction group (P<0.05), indicating the collection of pressure was less than that of the common reconstruction group.ConclusionAnimal models of posterior acetabular defects induced by posterior wall osteotomy can effectively mimic the clinical condition; the anatomic reconstruction of the posterior wall can restore the total contact area and the distribution of the pressure within the acetabulum similar to the normal condition.