Finite element analysis of acetabular reconstruction. Noncemented threaded cups.

The load-transfer mechanism and stress patterns in the acetabulum reconstructed with a threaded cup were investigated relative to the normal hip using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Several models were applied in the analysis to investigate the effects of axisymmetric 3-D versus 2-D approaches, inclusion of the femoral head, and local stress patterns around the threads in three types of implant/bone bonding modes. It was found that the threaded ring behaves as a relatively rigid implant shielding the trabecular bone and enhancing load transfer through the cortical shells. Load transfer from ring to bone is concentrated at the first and last threads where the subchondral bone layer is penetrated. Stress peaks of up to 24 MPa occur in these regions.