Title: Influence of bearing geometry and material on the contact of dual mobility implants: a finite element analysis

Authors: M.S. Uddin

Addresses: School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia

Abstract: This paper aims to predict the contact mechanics with the effect of critical geometric parameters and bearing materials of a dual mobility implant. A 3D finite element model was constructed by incorporating implant's anatomical configuration. Effects of radial clearance, head radius, cup thickness, shell thickness, and interfacial friction on contact pressure at articulating interfaces and von Mises stress within the cup were investigated. Influence of head material on the contact was studied as well. Simulations showed that contact pressure and stress decreased with the decrease in radial clearance and the increase in head radius, while the cup and shell thicknesses revealed a negligible influence. The contact was found to be insensitive to the head material. The contact pressure at the primary interface ruled out the overall contact of the implant. Results were discussed with studies available in literature, providing a guideline to further improve the design of the implants.

Keywords: dual mobility implants; contact pressure; von Mises stress; bearing geometry; femoral head material; contact mechanics; bearing materials; finite element analysis; FEA; 3D modelling; implant design; biomedical engineering; radial clearance; head radius; cup thickness; shell thickness; interfacial friction; contact pressure; articulating interfaces.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2014.060990

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2014 Vol.15 No.1, pp.45 - 58

Received: 21 Dec 2013
Accepted: 04 Apr 2014
Published online: 21 Oct 2014 *

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