Topology optimization for reducing stress shielding in cancellous bone scaffold

Abstract

In this paper, a topology optimization method is proposed to design bone scaffold structures that match the anisotropic elasticity tensors of cancellous bone. Grid point density and boundary error are introduced in the optimization model to achieve smooth boundaries of scaffold topology and control the distribution of intermediate elements. Combined with finite element analysis, the effects of scaffolds with different levels of elasticity tensors on the stress transfer and distribution of the scaffold-cancellous bone structure are investigated. It is found that scaffolds with the same or slightly lower elastic properties (0.9 times) than cancellous bone transmitted more uniform stresses into the cancellous bone. Finally, we demonstrate that optimized scaffolds can be fabricated by Stereolithography (SLA).