Prediction of Biomechanical Properties of Bone Implant Scaffolds

This work is concerned with the 3D finite element modeling of porous implants in which the pore characteristics and distribution are taken into account. The analysis is conducted for scaffolds composed of various biocompatible materials such as Hydroxyapatite, PMMA, PEEK, Ti-6Al-4V, Silicon Nitride, Zirconia and Alumina. Furthermore, the potential of bone growth within the scaffolds is investigated using principal strain histograms of loaded scaffolds. The results show that the histogram of the principal strain resembles a top hat distribution while the porosity (void fraction) decreases. For a specific porosity, the principal strain distribution falls within the desired region (for optimal bone growth) by selecting materials with some particular Poisson’s ratio, although stress-shielding possibility rises due to an increase in the apparent stiffness of the scaffold. The increase in the apparent stiffness is a result of high Young modulus of the above-mentioned materials. The model will provide a platform for designers to adjust internal architecture features (e.g., the porosity level, shape/size/orientation of pores and the material properties) based on the host bone data prior to the scaffold fabrication.