Use Case: Numerical Study of Hip Implant Topography Influence on Shear Stress Distribution

The average life expectancy has increased in recent years, and this upward trend is expected to persist. With aging comes the onset of degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, leading to chronic hip pain and restricted movement. In the advanced stages of such diseases, the only way to improve the quality of patient’s life is through the implantation of an artificial hip. Total hip arthroplasty is a very successful procedure, which can relieve pain and restore mobility. During the total hip arthroplasty, a crucial decision revolves around choosing between cemented and cementless implants. The lifespan of cementless implants depends on the strength of the bond formed between the bone and the implant. Various factors can influence the quality of this connection, with the surface topography of the implant being one of them. This chapter presents the results of the finite element analysis of the impact that different topographies have on the shear stress distribution on the surface of the implant. The objective was to find topographies where the shear stress is as low as possible, as high shear stress negatively affects the surrounding tissue. The application of this method not only saves time but also streamlines the preliminary testing of diverse topographies, contributing to a more efficient and informed decision-making process.