Repair of periprosthetic pelvis defects with porous metal implants: a finite element study

Computational modeling of revision total hip arthroplasty involving acetabular defects: A systematic review

Revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) involving acetabular defects is a complex procedure associated with lower rates of success than primary THA. Computational modeling has played a key role in surgical planning and prediction of postoperative outcomes following primary THA, but modeling applications in rTHA for acetabular defects remain poorly understood. This study aimed to systematically review the use of computational modeling in acetabular defect classification, implant selection and placement, implant design, and postoperative joint functional performance evaluation following rTHA involving acetabular defects. The databases of Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Embase, Global Health and Central were searched. Fifty-three relevant articles met the inclusion criteria, and their quality were evaluated using a modified Downs and Black evaluation criteria framework. Manual image segmentation from computed tomography scans, which is time consuming, remains the primary method used to generate 3D models of hip bone; however, statistical shape models, once developed, can be used to estimate pre-defect anatomy rapidly. Finite element modeling, which has been used to estimate bone stresses and strains, and implant micromotion postoperatively, has played a key role in custom and off-the-shelf implant design, mitigation of stress shielding, and prediction of bone remodeling and implant stability. However, model validation is challenging and requires rigorous evaluation and comparison with respect to mid- to long-term clinical outcomes. Development of fast, accurate methods to model acetabular defects, including statistical shape models and artificial neural networks, may ultimately improve uptake of and expand applications in modeling and simulation of rTHA for the research setting and clinic.

Modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis with a sacral hook: a finite element study

Background

A novel hemipelvic endoprosthesis with a sacral hook was introduced previously, and its clinical outcome with midterm follow-up showed decreased prosthesis-related complications, especially decreased rate of aseptic loosening. The aim of present study was to evaluate the role of a sacral hook in prosthesis stability and the biomechanical properties of this hemipelvic endoprosthesis.

Methods

A three-dimensional model of the postoperative pelvis was developed using computed tomography (CT) images. A force of 500 N was applied, and the distribution of stress and displacement was evaluated. Comparisons were performed to explore the role of the sacral hook in prosthesis stability. Prosthesis improvement was simulated to reduce unexpected breakage of the pubic connection plate.

Results

In the reconstructed hemipelvis, stress distributions were concentrated on the superior area of the acetabulum, sacral connection component, and sacral hook. A maximum stress of 250 MPa was observed at the root of the sacral connection component. The sacral hook reduced the maximum stress and displacement by 14.1% and 32.5%, respectively, when the prosthesis was well fixed and by 10.0% and 42.1%, respectively, when aseptic loosening occurred. Increasing the thickness of the pubic connection plate from 2 to 3.5 mm reduced the maximum stress by 32.0% and 15.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

A hemipelvic endoprosthesis with a sacral hook fulfills the biomechanical demands of the hemipelvis and is safe under static conditions. The sacral hook is important for prosthesis stability. Increasing the thickness of the pubic connection plate can reduce the maximum stress and risk of fatigue breakage.

Reconstruction of Severe Acetabular Bone Defect with 3D Printed Ti6Al4V Augment: A Finite Element Study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to establish the finite element analysis (FEA) model of acetabular bone defect reconstructed by 3D printed Ti6Al4V augment and TM augment and further to analyze the stress distribution and clinical safety of augments, screws, and bones.

Methods

The FEA model of acetabular bone defect reconstructed by 3D printed Ti6Al4V augment was established by the CT data of a patient with Paprosky IIIA defect. The von Mises stresses of augments, screws, and bones were analyzed by a single-legged stance loading applied in 3 increments (500 N, 2000 N, and 3000 N).

Results

The peak von Mises stresses under the maximal loading in the 3D printed augments, screws, and cortical bone were less than the yield strength of the corresponding component. However, the peak stress in the bone was greater than the yield strength of cancellous bone under walking or jogging loading. And under the same loading, the peak compressive and shear stresses in bone contact with TM augment were larger than these with 3D printed augment.

Conclusions

The FEA results show that all the components will be intact under single-legged standing. However, partial cancellous bone contacted with 3D printed augment and screws will lose efficacy under walking or jogging load. So we recommend that patients can stand under full bearing, but can not walk or jog immediately after surgery.

Customized Knee Prosthesis in Treatment of Giant Cell Tumors of the Proximal Tibia: Application of 3-Dimensional Printing Technology in Surgical Design

BACKGROUND We explored the application of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology in treating giant cell tumors (GCT) of the proximal tibia. A tibia block was designed and produced through 3D printing technology. We expected that this 3D-printed block would fill the bone defect after en-bloc resection. Importantly, the block, combined with a standard knee joint prosthesis, provided attachments for collateral ligaments of the knee, which can maintain knee stability. MATERIAL AND METHODS A computed tomography (CT) scan was taken of both knee joints in 4 patients with GCT of the proximal tibia. We developed a novel technique - the real-size 3D-printed proximal tibia model - to design preoperative treatment plans. Hence, with the application of 3D printing technology, a customized proximal tibia block could be designed for each patient individually, which fixed the bone defect, combined with standard knee prosthesis. RESULTS In all 4 cases, the 3D-printed block fitted the bone defect precisely. The motion range of the affected knee was 90 degrees on average, and the soft tissue balance and stability of the knee were good. After an average 7-month follow-up, the MSTS score was 19 on average. No sign of prosthesis fracture, loosening, or other relevant complications were detected. CONCLUSIONS This technique can be used to treat GCT of the proximal tibia when it is hard to achieve soft tissue balance after tumor resection. 3D printing technology simplified the design and manufacturing progress of custom-made orthopedic medical instruments. This new surgical technique could be much more widely applied because of 3D printing technology.

A novel combined hemipelvic endoprosthesis for peri-acetabular tumours involving sacroiliac joint: a finite element study

PURPOSE

Our aim was to introduce a novel combined hemipelvic endoprosthesis for pelvic reconstruction after Enneking type I/II/IV resection and to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the endoprosthesis using finite element analysis.

METHODS

A three-dimensional finite element model of the postoperative pelvis was developed based on computed tomography (CT) images of the patient with the best post-operative limb function. A force of 400 N was applied along the longitudinal axis of the normal and post-operative pelvis for two positions: standing on two feet and sitting. Stress-distribution analysis was performed in both positions, and results were compared. Prosthesis improvements were simulated by intervertebral fusion and extra screw fixation.

RESULTS

In the normal pelvis, stress distributions were mostly concentrated on the superior area of the acetabulum, arcuate line, sacroiliac joint and sacral midline in both static conditions, and peak stresses of 1.52 MPa and 4.53 MPa were observed at the superior area of the greater sciatic notch and ischial tuberosity, respectively. For the reconstructed hemipelvis, stress distributions were concentrated on the connecting rods of the acetabular component and the proximal segment of the pedicle rods, and peak stresses of 252 MPa and 213 MPa were observed on the proximal pedicle rods of the fourth lumbar vertebra for standing and sitting, respectively. Interbody fusion of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and extra screw fixation to the sacrum decreased the peak stresses by 33.0 % and 18.3 % while standing and by 10.8 % and 6.6 % while sitting.

CONCLUSION

Reconstruction with combined hemipelvic endoprosthesis after types I/II/IV resection of the pelvis fulfilled physiological and biomechanical demands of the hemipelvis and yielded good biomechanical characteristics.

Finite element analysis of the pelvis after modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis reconstruction

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanics of the pelvis reconstructed with a modular hemipelvic prosthesis using finite element (FE) analysis.

METHODS

A three-dimensional FE model of the postoperative pelvis was developed and input into the Abaqus FEA software version 6.7.1. Mesh refinement tests were then performed and a force of 500 N was applied at the lamina terminalis of the fifth lumbar vertebra along the longitudinal axis of the normal pelvis and the postoperative pelvis for three positions: sitting, standing on two feet, and standing on the foot of the affected side. Stress distribution analysis was performed between the normal pelvis and postoperative pelvis at these three static positions.

RESULTS

In the normal pelvis, stress distribution was concentrated on the superior area of the acetabulum, arcuate line, sacroiliac joint, sacral midline and, in particular, the superior area of the greater sciatic notch. In the affected postoperative hemipelvis, stress distribution was concentrated on the proximal area of the pubic plate, the top of the acetabular cup, the connection between the CS-fixator and acetabular cup and the fixation between the prosthesis and sacroiliac joint.

CONCLUSIONS

Stress distribution of the postoperative pelvis was similar to the normal pelvis at three different static positions. Reconstruction with a modular hemipelvic prosthesis yielded good biomechanical characteristics.