Functionally graded porous femoral stem: Computational Analysis

Abstract

Hip implants fail for many reasons. One of these reasons is due to aseptic loosening which causes bone resorption. The paper is oriented to investigate functionally graded porous stems by incorporating unique porous structures. The porosity levels investigated varied between 0% (fully densed), to 90%. The functional graded function used was sigmoid power law with three grading exponents. The gradation scheme was decreasing the porosity distally. From this study, it was found that functionally graded porous stems in comparison to fully dense stems, transfers up to 170% of the stresses to the bone (reduce stress shielding) and have micromotion that supports bone in growth.