Interface micromechanics of transverse sections from retrieved cemented hip reconstructions: an experimental and finite element comparison

In finite element analysis (FEA) models of cemented hip reconstructions, it is crucial to include the cement–bone interface mechanics. Recently, a micromechanical cohesive model was generated which reproduces the behavior of the cement–bone interface. The goal was to investigate whether this cohesive model was directly applicable on a macro level. From transverse sections of retrieved cemented hip reconstructions, two FEA-models were generated. The cement–bone interface was modeled with cohesive elements. A torque was applied and the cement–bone interface micromotions, global stiffness and stem translation were monitored. A sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate whether the cohesive model could be improved. All results were compared with experimental findings. That the original cohesive model resulted in a too compliant macromechanical response; the motions were too large and the global stiffness too small. When the cohesive model was modified, the match with the experimental response improved considerably.