Effect of manufacturing tolerances on the micromotion at the Morse taper interface in modular hip implants using the finite element technique

Abstract

This study reports on the examination of the effect of manufacturing tolerances on the micromotion at the Morse taper interface in modular hip implants. The finite element technique was used as a tool of analysis. Special emphasis was placed on the consideration of the transient dynamic conditions under which a prosthesis works inside the human body. In order to simulate approximately the repetitive forces acting on a hip implant during the human walking cycle, a time-variant sinusoidal load was applied on the head of the taper. The locking of the Morse taper joint by the surgeon in the operating room at the time of implantation was simulated by specifying an axial displacement to the female taper component as an initial condition.