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Biomechanical evaluation of porous bioactive ceramics after implantation: micro CT-based three-dimensional finite element analysis

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Abstract

Hydroxyapatite ceramics have been widely investigated for bone regeneration due to their high biocompatibility. However, few studies focus on their mechanical characteristics after implantation. In this study, the finite element (FE) method was used to evaluate the mechanical properties of a fully interconnected porous hydroxyapatite (IPHA) over time of implantation. Based on the micro-CT images obtained from the experiments dealing with IPHA implanted into rabbit femoral condyles, three-dimensional FE models of IPHA (1, 5, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after implantation) were developed. FE analysis indicated that the elastic modulus gradually increased from 1 week and reached the peak value at 24 weeks, and then it kept at high level until 48 weeks postoperatively. In addition, as a local biomechanical response, strain energy density became to distribute evenly over time after the implantation. Results confirmed that the mechanical properties of IPHA are strongly correlated to bone ingrowth. The efficiency of the proposed numerical approach was validated in combination with experimental studies, and the feasibility of applying this approach to study such implanted porous bioceramics was proved.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by The Grant-in-Aid for Highly Functional Interface Science: Innovation of Biomaterials with Highly Functional Interface to Host and Parasite from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports, and Culture of Japan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, Kasuga-koen 6-1, Kasuga, Fukuoka, 816-8580, Japan

    Li-Mei Ren, Takaaki Arahira & Mitsugu Todo

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871, Japan

    Hideki Yoshikawa & Akira Myoui

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  1. Li-Mei Ren
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  2. Takaaki Arahira
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Correspondence to Li-Mei Ren.

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Ren, LM., Arahira, T., Todo, M. et al. Biomechanical evaluation of porous bioactive ceramics after implantation: micro CT-based three-dimensional finite element analysis. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 23, 463–472 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-011-4469-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-011-4469-2

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