[Shape optimization of the femoral component of hip prosthesis using the finite element method]

Aseptic loosening of implants in bone is the main reason of prosthesis failure. Stress distribution around the implant surface plays a major role in this process, which can be minimized by implant shape optimization. Numerical methods, particularly the finite element method, are an important tool in the analysis of stress distribution and design optimization. The paper presents the problem formulation for this method, illustrated by computational examples.