title: Quantitative CT with finite element analysis: towards a predictive tool for bone remodelling around an uncemented tapered stem.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We used quantitative CT in conjunction with finite element analysis to provide a new tool for assessment of bone quality after total hip arthroplasty in vivo. The hypothesis of this prospective five-year study is that the combination of the two modalities allows 3D patient-specific imaging of cortical and cancellous bone changes and stress shielding.
  
  
  METHODS
  We tested quantitative CT in conjunction with finite elements on a cohort of 29 patients (31 hips) who have been scanned postoperatively and at one year, two years and five years follow-up. The method uses cubic Hermite finite element interpolation for efficient mesh generation directly from qCT datasets. The element Gauss points that are used for the geometric interpolation functions are also used for interpolation of osteodensitometry data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study showed changes of bone density suggestive of proximal femur diaphysis load transfer with osteointegration and moderate metaphyseal stress shielding. Our model revealed that cortical bone initially became porous in the greater trochanter, but this phenomenon progressed to the cortex of the lesser trochanter and the posterior aspect of the metaphysis. The diaphyseal area did not experience major change in bone density for either cortical or cancellous bone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combination of quantitative CT with finite element analysis allows visualization of changes to bone density and architecture. It also provides correlation of bone density/architectural changes with stress patterns enabling the study of the effects of stress shielding on bone remodelling in vivo. This technology can be useful in predicting bone remodeling and the quality of implant fixation using prostheses with different design and/or biomaterials.
authors.affiliation: Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Vickie B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Shim
authors.forename: Rocco P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Pitto
authors.forename: Iain A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D002484:Cementation; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*