Preclinical analysis of a novel short hip-stem design: A finite element model-based investigation
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Chaudhuri, Abhik
Loha, Tanmoy
Mahato, Prashanta Kr
Amis, Andrew
Pal, Bidyut
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This study proposes a novel uncemented short hip stem, adapted from a long stem design to reduce strain
shielding and bone resorption and improve osseointegration. It consists of a central core of Ti alloy with but tresses (inner solid and outer porous) protruding radially outwards. The slots between the buttresses are filled
with bone substitute material. The present study investigated the short-stem’s mechanical behaviour, focusing on
strain shielding and bone remodelling in short and long terms, respectively. The results were compared to those
of the solid counterpart with overall same geometry. Computer Tomography (CT) based 3D FE models of an
intact and reconstructed femur were used. The models were solved for two static loading cases: normal walking
and stair climbing. Strain shielding was observed across all the Gruen Zones with both the stems; however, to a
much lesser extent (∼ 44%, on average) with the porous stem. Subsequent bone resorption was also predicted to
be of much lesser degree (∼ 42%, on average) with the porous stem. Furthermore, strain concentration in the
bone around the porous stem tip was less prominent than the solid stem, indicating lower risk of thigh pain. The
porous short stem design offers promising results, both in short and long terms.
shielding and bone resorption and improve osseointegration. It consists of a central core of Ti alloy with but tresses (inner solid and outer porous) protruding radially outwards. The slots between the buttresses are filled
with bone substitute material. The present study investigated the short-stem’s mechanical behaviour, focusing on
strain shielding and bone remodelling in short and long terms, respectively. The results were compared to those
of the solid counterpart with overall same geometry. Computer Tomography (CT) based 3D FE models of an
intact and reconstructed femur were used. The models were solved for two static loading cases: normal walking
and stair climbing. Strain shielding was observed across all the Gruen Zones with both the stems; however, to a
much lesser extent (∼ 44%, on average) with the porous stem. Subsequent bone resorption was also predicted to
be of much lesser degree (∼ 42%, on average) with the porous stem. Furthermore, strain concentration in the
bone around the porous stem tip was less prominent than the solid stem, indicating lower risk of thigh pain. The
porous short stem design offers promising results, both in short and long terms.
Date Issued
2025-11-01
Date Acceptance
2025-08-14
Citation
Medical Engineering and Physics, 2025, 145
ISSN
1350-4533
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Medical Engineering and Physics
Volume
145
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2025 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
104415
Date Publish Online
2025-08-14