A Computational Optimisation Study of Hip Implant Using Density Mapping Functionally Graded Biomimetic TPMS-based Lattice Structures

TL;DR

This paper develops a computational framework for optimizing hip implants using biomimetic, functionally graded lattice structures inspired by bone remodelling, leading to improved stress distribution and bone response.

Contribution

It introduces a novel density mapping-based optimization method for designing porous, biomimetic lattice structures in hip implants to reduce stress shielding.

Findings

Lower density on implant sides, higher density medially

Enhanced stress transmission to surrounding bone

Improved bone formation at the bone-implant interface

Abstract

This study presents a computational optimisation framework of a hip implant through the development of a functionally graded biomimetic lattice structure, whose design was structurally optimised to limit stress shielding. The optimisation technique was inspired by the inverse of a bone remodelling algorithm, promoting an even stress distribution throughout the design region, by reducing the density and consequently the stiffness, in regions where strain energy was higher than the reference level. The result of the optimisation technique provided a non-uniform graded density distribution field that showed lower density level on the sides of the implant stem, and higher material density around the medial axis of the stem. The optimised material distribution was captured using mapping of a triply periodic minimal surface lattice structure on the implant, which resulted in porous lattice surfaces inside the solid implant. The performance of the porous implant design was evaluated through implementation of a finite element bone remodelling algorithm and comparing the bone response with a femur with fully solid implant model, in terms of stress distribution and mass change. The results of the analysis showed improved bone formation on the bone-implant interface, and enhanced stress transmission to the surrounding bone from the implant.