Necrosis of the femoral head treated by tantalum rod implant：three-dimension finite element analysis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Core decompression and tantalum rod implantation after core decompression are common methods to repair early and middle stages of necrosis of femoral head, can effectively control and even reverse the progress of necrosis of the femoral head. Comparison of mechanical support and curative effect of femoral head after operation deserves further investigation. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of core decompression on mechanical pulp femoral head support by using the finite element analysis and the advantages of tantalum implant treatment in the repair of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. METHODS: The right femur of healthy adults was chosen as the research object, and CT scanning was conducted to get the images of cross-sections. The images were then inputted into computer to get contour of femur and rebuild three-dimensional model. Distal end of femur was completely fixed, the angle of the top of femoral head and the femoral shaft was 25°, and 570 N pressure on the femoral head was applied according to the three-dimensional space distribution of femur force under physiological state. Three-dimensional finite element models were calculated to get the colapse values in different necrotic areas of the femoral head before and after different repair methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After core decompression, colapse values were apparently increased, especialy in the weight-bearing area. With increased range of necrosis, colapse values also increased. After core decompression, colapse values decreased obviously after porous tantalum rod implantation. Although core decompression could remove dead bone, decompression itself further reduced the mechanical properties of the femoral head and changed the original femoral head support. On the basis of core decompression, porous tantalum rod provided safe and effective mechanical support for femoral head and subchondral bone plate, could effectively prevent colapse and provide conditions for the restoration of bone tissue.