Finite element analysis of surface modification of titanium alloy used for hip implant

Abstract

© 2021 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland. Titanium and its alloys, especially Ti-6Al-4V have found application as hip implants due to their mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance. The use of cementless hip implants has increased over the years as it is thought that this type is more durable compared to cemented hip implants. Cementless hip implants have a porous surface that allows the bone to grow into it and form a strong bone-implant connection. The goal of this study is the use of Finite Element Method simulations to obtain information about how different types of surface topography of a TI-6Al-4V hip implant affect the shear stress, which is used to access the boneimplant connection. Finite Element Analysis is used to analyze the stress distribution in three simple surface modifications in a hip implant under different types of loads. The optimal surface modification out of these three is obtained based on the shear stress distribution, as it is known that lower shear stress promotes bone ingrowth. In this study, we have considered the interaction between cortical bone and implant surface. Material properties and boundary conditions used for the simulations have been adapted from literature.