Some aspects of custom-made 3d-printed hip joint implant structural simulation

Abstract

Current article is devoted to the application of computer-aided engineering technologies to the virtual testing of customized endoprostheses of large joints. The research is performed for a representative case, where the personalized prosthesis of the hip joint is used as a part of the process of treatment of osteosarcoma, as conventional systems are not applicable. The study is highly relevant due to the intensive development of personalized medicine allowing for the patients’ successful recovery and mobilization. However, since each of the customized implants is a unique part, a rapid, accurate and financially efficient methodology of performing the structural analysis of such components is required to avoid the real testing of each implant. The article describes the all steps of the structural simulation of the series of loading scenarios for the biomechanical system consisting of the pelvis and endoprosthesis. The process of preparing the finite element models of pelvic bones and components of the implant is also explained in detail. The stress-strain state of the pelvis and implant is investigated for a number of values of the pretension force of the screws. Based on the comparative analysis, a set of practical recommendations is formulated to reduce the stress in the bone tissue. The discussed steps are the elements of the methodology of the rapid finite element virtual testing of the customized implants that is currently developed by the research group.