Bispherical metal augment improved biomechanical stability in severe acetabular deficiency reconstruction: a comparative finite element analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background This study used finite element analysis (FEA) to compare the biomechanical stability of bispherical metal augment (BA) and wedge-shaped trabecular-metal augment (TA) in different acetabular defect reconstruction models, thereby explaining the application value of this novel bispherical augment in complex hip revision. Methods Three different acetabular defect pelvis models originating from three representative patients with different types of severe acetabular defects (Paprosky IIC, IIIA, and IIIB) were constructed and reconstruction with BA and TA technique was simulated. Based on the FEA models, the displacement of reconstruction implants, relative displacement of bone implants, and hemi-pelvic von Mises stress were investigated under static loads. Results BA acquired smaller reconstruction system displacement, less relative displacement of bone implants, and lower pelvic von Mises stress than TA in all Paprosky IIC, IIIA, and IIIB defect reconstructions. Conclusion The FEA results show that BA could acquire favourable biomechanical stability in severe acetabular defect reconstruction. This technique is a reliable method in complex hip revision.

Keywords

• Revision total hip arthroplasty
• Acetabular defect
• Augments
• Finite element analysis