Finite element temperature analysis of a total hip replacement and measurement of PMMA curing temperatures

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to examine some characteristics of poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement in the context of total hip replacement. Proceeding from fundamental principles of balance of energy and heat conduction, three simulation models of total hip replacement, using the finite-element method of numerical analysis, were used to predict the temperature response in the femoral prosthesis, cement, cancellous bone, and bone-cement interface. When cement collars are a centimeter or less in thickness, the models predict little likelihood of permanent bone thermal necrosis. In addition, laboratory experimental results indicate that peak temperatures attained in Simplex-P and Palacos-R cement specimens are nearly identical and that adding 0.5 and 1.0 g of the antibiotic gentamicin to Palacos-R has negligible influence on peak temperature. Experimental results also indicate that cooling cement specimens to 8 degrees C extends the set time, which in turn could significantly increase the likelihood of stem-cement loosening during surgery.