Computer aided analysis of bone remodeling after total hip replacement

One of the recognized long-term failures of total hip replacement is the stress shielding effect. This effect is based on biomechanical point and is one of the factors that induce the bone remodeling and cause the loosening of the stem. The purpose of this study was to develop a computer simulation procedure to predict long-term bone remodeling process after total hip replacement. Imaging processing (CT), CAD system and finite element method were integrated to combine with the quantitative bone remodeling mathematical model. The results of the computer simulation showed that the bone density became sparse in the proximal region around the femoral stem and increased in the distal portion. This finding was consistent with the clinical observations. With the integration of CT. CAD system and finite element method, it is possible for the patient to be evaluated for the long-term bone remodeling process prior to the surgery of total hip replacement.