Finite element modeling of hip implant static loading

Abstract

In this paper a numerical investigation of replacement implant for partial hip arthroplasty is presented. The long-term stability of hip implants depends, among other things, on the loads acting across the joint. Forces occurring in vivo can be much greater than the recommended test values, because a typical gait cycle generates forces up to 6-7 times the body weight in the hip joint. A finite element analysis (FEA) was performed using 3-dimensional models to examine the mechanical behaviour of the femoral component at forces ranging from 2.5 to 6.3 kN. This implant design was chosen for numerical analysis because stress concentration in femoral component lead to implant fracture. Results show that the force magnitudes acting on the implant are of interest, and that they can cause implant stress field changes and implant stability problems, which can lead to implant failure.