3D Finite Element Analysis of Natural and Artificial Hip Joints

Up to date, in Total Hip Replacement (THR), stem breakage and loosening are still encountered, particularly in the long-term (Jones et al., 1992). Stress patterns and values, resulting from the joint-loading forces, play the major role in causing these problems. Failure of femoral component of THR can be characterized by either loosening (micro-motion slip) or fracture caused by fatigue cracks originating on the lateral side of the stem as noted by Marmor and Greven, (1984) and Amstutz et al.,(1990). The present work aims to qualify and quantify the stresses in natural and Charnley Standard artificial femoral component, using 3D finite element analysis. Normal, principal and shear stresses were evaluated using NISA II software backage.