An Innovative Design and Structural Mechanics Analysis of Artificial Hip Joint

Abstract

Using finite element (FE) method, this work established and comparatively analyzed the basic femoral head model, and six innovative femoral head models with different micropore surface distribution, aiming to explore the most rational surface morphology to have better effect on artificial hip implant. The inboard and outboard femur, the metal handle, and the femoral head’ stress responses were concerned. As the results showed, compared with type A (original femur head, with “smoothed” surface), the other six shaped femur head design all have reduced the maximal stress with different degrees. However, femur model surface type C arranged with 1mm-diametre distributed in three rows of micropore caused the best effect. Within the scope of the study, both micropore size and arranging way influenced the stress distribution at key components of artificial hip joint, especially the effect of micropore size exceeded arranging way of them. Based on the simulation results, it is proposed the whole rigidity of the artificial femoral head with microporous morphology, was reduced to some degree and therefore reducing the stress shielding effect, decreasing the possibility of embedded part being deformed or flexible, which is beneficial to improving life span of the prosthesis.