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Experimental and computational micromechanics at the tibial cement-trabeculae interface
Priyanka Srinivasan1, Mark A Miller2, Nico Verdonschot3
1Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Biomechanics
|April 16, 2016
Summary
Micromotion at the cement-bone interface in knee replacements can cause loosening. This study used experiments and models to show how this micromotion and strain affect bone structure, aiding future research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Orthopedic Biomechanics
- Surgical Implant Research
Background:
- Aseptic loosening of the tibial component in cemented total knee arthroplasty is a significant clinical challenge.
- Proposed mechanisms include micromotion-induced fluid circulation and trabecular resorption, as well as strain shielding.
- Understanding the interface mechanics is crucial for improving implant longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between micromotion, strain, and trabecular bone morphology at the cement-bone interface.
- To validate a finite element (FE) model's ability to simulate experimental observations of micromotion and strain.
- To explore the impact of trabecular connectivity on interface mechanics.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel experimental setup to measure micromotion and strain at the cement-trabeculae interface.
- Utilized digital image correlation (DIC) for precise strain measurement in lab-prepared specimens (n=4).
- Created and validated finite element (FE) models based on experimental specimen geometry and material properties.
Main Results:
- Experimental measurements of micromotion and strain showed good correlation with FE model predictions (r(2)=0.59-0.90).
- Axial strains in the specimens closely matched FE model predictions (r(2)=0.87).
- FE models indicated that micromotion increased with thinner outer trabecular edges, while thicker edges reduced peak micromotion.
Conclusions:
- The combined experimental and FE modeling approach accurately simulates interface mechanics.
- This methodology can be used to further elucidate mechanisms of cement-bone interlock failure.
- Findings provide insights into preventing aseptic loosening in total knee arthroplasty.
