Microfilm Coatings: A Biomaterial-Based Strategy for Modulating Femoral Deflection

Wear on the surface of the femoral head increases the risk of hip and femur fractures. Biomechanical experiments conducted on the femur are based on its bending and torsional rigidities. Studies regarding the deflection of the femur bone when the femoral head is coated with microfilms composed of durable and compatible biomaterials are poor. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different biomaterial microfilm coatings over the femoral head on the deflection of the human femur. We utilized 2023 R1 finite element analysis (FEA) software to model the directional deformation on the femoral head and examine the femur's deflection with varying microfilm thicknesses. The deflection of the femur bone was reported when the femoral head was uncoated and coated with titanium, stainless steel, and pure gold microfilms of different thicknesses (namely, 50, 75, and 100 μm). Our results show that the femur's minimum and maximum deflection occurred for stainless steel and gold, respectively. The deformation of the femur was lower when the femoral head was coated with a 50-micrometer microfilm of stainless steel, compared to the deformation obtained with gold and titanium. When the thickness of the microfilm for each of the materials was increased, the deformation continued to decrease. The minimum deformation of the femur occurred for a thickness of 100 μm with stainless steel, followed by titanium and gold. The difference in the directional deformation of the femur between the materials was more significant when the coating was 100 μm, compared to the thicknesses of 50 and 75 μm. The findings of this study are expected to significantly contribute to the development of advanced medical techniques to enhance the quality of life for patients with femur bone-related issues. This information can be used to develop more resilient coatings that can withstand wear and tear.