Influence of stem geometry and material combinations on the biomechanical and tribological performance of hip implants using finite element analysis

Abstract This study investigate the biomechanical behavior and wear characteristics of different hip implant geometries and materials using finite element analysis (FEA). Total hip arthroplasty (THA) success critically depends on design, which influences stress distribution, durability and patient outcomes. The primary aim is to evaluate how the implant geometry, namely, oval and rectangular stems and material combinations, specifically cobalt-chromium alloy and Ti-6Al-4 V alloy, affects stress regions, and patient outcomes. Dynamic analysis of the simulated walking gait cycles demonstrated that oval stem design, particularly with MC3, provided superior mechanical stability with a deformation of 0.078 mm, and a stress of 168.33 MPa. This oval stem ensured uniform stress distribution with nominal deformation, lowering the probability of aseptic loosening and bone resorption. MC3 combination exhibited least linear wear of 2.64E − 04 mm/Mc and volumetric wear of 1.99E − 01 mm 3 /Mc. This reduction in the linear and volumetric wear was mainly administered by minimal sliding distance and contact pressure at the head – stem interface under walking load. ASTM F2996-13 standard was considered as the reference for the boundary conditions for this study. The findings suggest that hip implant performance and lifespan are mainly dependent on implant geometry, material combinations and component interfaces. However, limitations such as multi activities loading scenarios, absence of vivo environment and the exclusion of long-term biological factors can influence the outcomes. Future research should focus on experimental validation with patient-specific modeling, to enhance the performance and longevity of hip implants.