This study investigates stress shielding by predicting bone density around two different implants following total hip arthroplasty using a new thermodynamic-based model for bone remodeling. This model is based on chemical kinetics and irreversible thermodynamics in which bone is treated as a self-organizing system capable of exchanging matter, energy, and entropy with its surroundings. Unlike the previous works in which mechanical loading is regarded as the only stimulus for bone remodeling, this model establishes a coupling between mechanical loading and the chemical reactions involved in the process of bone remodeling. This model is incorporated into the finite element software ANSYS by means of a macro to investigate stress shielding around two different implants: Stryker Omnifit and Exeter periprosthetic hip stems. The results of the simulation showing bone density reductions of 17% in Gruen zone 1 and 27% in Gruen zones 7 around the Omnifit hip stem agree well with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurements reported in the literature. On the other hand, the Exeter implant is found to result in more severe resorption in the proximal femur. This is consistent with clinical studies, which report a higher survivorship rate for HA-coated Omnifit hip stems.
Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.