We have extensive experience conducting structural mechanics simulations to evaluate the mechanical strength of implants, bone-implant interface strength, bone remodeling stimulus etc.

We have extensive expertise in conducting dynamic musculoskeletal simulations to evaluate the effect of implant components on joint kinematics/kinetics, and the interactions between implants and the surrounding soft-tissues.

Case Studies

Alternative implant materials

We evaluated opportunities for materials in high load orthopaedic applications. We determined the most ideal material formulations for specific orthopaedic applications by combining implant specific computational modeling and physical testing.

Soft-tissue impingement

Computational Modeling and FEA of Implant Designs, Figure 1, Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mass General

Larger diameter hip implants have been associated with anterior hip pain; however, the precise mechanism for this clinical concern is unknown. HOL scientists used computational modeling to show that anterior soft-tissue impingement occurring with large diameter femoral heads and dual mobility liners may contribute to anterior hip pain. The findings derived from this model were used to develop novel anatomically contoured implant designs. The new implants that were develops as a result of our computational modeling are currently awaiting regulatory clearance.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26796773

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26496522

Knee implant design

Computational Modeling and FEA of Implant Designs, Figure 2, Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mass General

We conducted extensive simulations for various activities of daily living to evaluate the impact of different design concepts on restoring normal knee kinematics and kinetics to design an advanced knee replacement system capable of more closely replicating normal joint motion. The device created as a result of our analyses has been cleared by the FDA.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26195354

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26154569

Constrained hip liners

Computational Modeling and FEA of Implant Designs, Figure 3, Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mass General

We developed a validated computational model to simulate lever-out resistance of constrained hip liners. This model helps us rapidly evaluate new concepts and make comparisons with current state-of-the-art components.