Interface stresses in the resurfaced hip : finite element analysis of load transmission in the femoral head

The load transmission and interface stresses in the Wagner resurfaced femoral head were evaluated for the purpose of studying possible failure mechanisms. We found that unnatural stress patterns occur in the head and at the implant-bone interfaces, in addition to regions of stress protection in the bone, possibly enhancing interface failure and bone remodelling. However, these stresses are not higher than those reported for other kinds of prostheses, e.g. acetabular cup, tibial plateau. From these findings, together with clinical observations, it is hypothesized that the femoral surface cup is more sensitive to local loosening than other prostheses. This hypothesis would indicate that prosthetic designs should be analysed relative to their potential to provoke failure propagation, rather than only initiation of mechanical failure and loosening.