Numerical simulation of a crack emanating from a micro-cavity in the orthopedic cement by technical sub modeling of total hip prosthesis

Abstract

In orthopedic surgery and particularly in the total hip arthroplasty (THP), the stem fixation is performed in general using surgical cement which consists essentially of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Fracture of cement and prosthesis loosening appears after high concentrations of stress. This phenomenon origin is due to the presence of micro-cavities in the cement volume due to patient movements. The focus of this study is the modeling using the finite element method of a crack emanating from a cavity. It was assumed several positions and orientations of the crack in the cement to calculate the stress intensity factor (SIF). Results show that the presence of a crack emanating from a cavity in the cement increases the risk of fracture of cement.

Keywords

• Bone Cement
• Crack
• Total Hip Prosthesis
• Stress Intensity Factor