The effect of cement mantle thickness on strain energy density distribution and prediction of bone density changes around cemented acetabular component

Abstract

Cement mantle thickness is known to be one of the important parameters to reduce the failure of the cemented acetabular component. The thickness of the cement mantle is also often influenced by the positioning of the acetabular cup. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of uniform and non-uniform cement mantle thickness on strain energy density distribution and prediction of the possibility of bone remodelling around the acetabular region. Furthermore, tensile stress distribution in the cement mantle due to non-uniform cement mantle thickness was also investigated. Three-dimensional finite element models of intact and 17 implanted pelvic bone were developed based on computed tomography data sets. Results indicate that implantation with non-uniform cement thickness variation in the anterior–posterior direction has a significant influence on strain energy density distribution around the acetabulum as compared to thickness variation in the superior–inferior direction. Increase in density is predicted at the anterior part of the acetabulum, whereas density decrease is predicted at the posterior, inferior and superior part of the acetabulum. The non-uniform cement mantle thickness affected the tensile stress distribution in the cement mantle, in particularly superiorly placed acetabular cup. This study concludes that uniform cement thickness is desired for the longer success of the cemented acetabular component.