A Finite Element Investigation into the Effects of Head Size and Trunnion Design on the Micromotion at the Head-Neck Interface in THR

Abstract:

The modularity of femoral head and femoral stem provides many benefits to surgeons. However, case-reports have shown failure in large head Metal-on-Metal hip replacement due to trunnionosis. The exact causes of trunnionosis are not yet identified but the additional interface at the modular joint seems to be a contributing factor. In this study, a three dimensional non-linear finite element model was created to analyse the effects of head size and trunnion design on the micromotion at the head-neck interface. Four different metal head sizes and two trunnions designs and materials were used in the model. The femoral heads were assembled onto the trunnions with 7kN axial force and one cycle of gait load was applied to the head after assembly. The study showed that the micromotion was substantially increased in femoral head larger than 36mm. Trunnions material has greater effect on micromotion than trunnion design, particularly with the larger head sizes. The stability at the modular junction is important. Our findings suggest that there is a limit of assembly force to maintain enough stability on the joint; beyond this limit; the maximum micromotion will not be affected.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 553)
• Pages: 287-292
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.553.287
• Online since: May 2014
• Authors: W. Theodore*, J. Pierrepont, Q. Li, B. Miles
• Keywords: Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Micromotion, Total Hip Replacement, Trunnion Disease, Trunnionosis

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