The role of the fiber ply configurations on the biomechanics of the hip prosthesis

Abstract

The total hip replacement is the only approved procedure for restoring a degenerated hip joint through operation. The life span of a prosthesis could depend on the geometry and material properties of the implant. This study aims to analyze the biomechanics of the carbon/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite prosthesis having three different fiber ply configurations compared to traditional stainless steel (SS) ones. The implant-bone system was established and subjected to a load from the head of the femur and abductor muscle sides. The stresses and strains in the implant-bone systems were calculated and compared. The results revealed lower stresses and strains in composite prostheses compared to SS ones. The fiber ply orientation of the carbon/PEEK composite prosthesis is shown to be a key asset in stress and strain distribution of the 13 implant-bone systems. The fiber plies which orientated multidirectionally with −45 and +45 degrees exhibited uniform stress and strain distributions. The results suggested the advantage of using composite prostheses in implant designs as they not only invoke lower stresses and strains in the implant-bone system but also amplify the life span of implants in the body.