Finite element analysis of retroacetabular osteolytic defects following total hip replacement

Periprosthetic osteolysis in the retroacetabular region with cancellous bone loss is a recognized phenomenon in the long-term follow-up of total hip replacement. The effects on load transfer in the presence of defects are less well known. A finite element model incorporating a retroacetabular defect behind a cementless component was validated against a 4th generation sawbone pelvis. Computational predictions of surface strain and von Mises stresses were closely correlated to experimental findings. The presence of a cancellous defect increased von Mises stress in the cortical bone of the medial wall of the pelvis. At a load of 600 N this was under the predicted failure stress for cortical bone. Increases in the cup size relative to the acetabulum caused increased stress in the cortical bone of the lateral wall of the pelvis, adjacent to the acetabulum. We are confident that our modeling approach can be applied to patient specific defects to predict pelvis stress with large loads and a range of activities.