Numerical Analysis of the Coxofemoral Joint with Hip Prosthesis and Aggressive Osteoporosis

Numerical biomechanical analysis is a technique applied to evaluate the capacity of a structure to withstand loads, strains, and stresses in different situations. In the fields of orthopedics, physiology, and physiotherapy, this technique has been applied successfully to analyze the efficiency of hip replacements for the treatment of fractures. Osteoporosis is an illness that causes a decrease in bone density and quality, generating porosity (referring to the number of empty spaces within the bone tissue), also known as pores or cavities. In healthy bones, pores are diminutive and evenly distributed, giving them a solid and resilient structure. Despite this, in osteoporosis, pores increase in size and number, causing bones to weaken and become more prone to fractures, principally in the hip joint. Hip fractures can have profound consequences for a patient's quality of life and may require a complete or partial hip replacement to restore patient mobility. This research analyzed the biomechanics of different hip prostheses used in a patient with hip fractures caused by osteoporosis. A bio- model and the finite element method were employed to simulate the external agent conditions on the hip during the patient's static loading. Study results showed that the quality of the trabecular bone, cortical bone, and iliofemoral ligament were critical factors in selecting the right hip replacement for each fracture type. In addition, they found that more severe and localized fractures in the trabecular bone required hip prosthesis with greater strength and stability. In contrast, less severe and localized fractures in the cortical bone could be treated with simpler hip replacements. On the other hand, this would provide a methodology for biomechanical engineers to draw bio-models of biological components with stents so that they can offer orthopedic surgeons and other health professionals in selecting the appropriate hip replacement, depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the quality of the bone and the stability of the ligaments. Furthermore, the future of hip prosthesis design is focused on customization, durability, and integration with technology. The combination of these advances can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life by reducing the extent of fractures caused by the materials of the hip joint with the hip prosthesis.