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Journal article
Finite element analysis of bone remodeling induced by swelling anchors considering heterogeneous properties
Biomechanics and modeling in mechanobiology, v 24, pp 1937-1958
16 Aug 2025
PMID: 40817952
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
This study explored the biomechanical behavior of co-polymeric swelling bone anchors and their bone remodeling induction using finite element analysis of a model with heterogeneous properties. First, a hygro-elastic finite element framework was developed to capture the swelling of the bone anchors over time by moisture gain, validated against the data from free swelling experiments. Afterward, finite element models were developed using micro-CT data to capture heterogeneous material properties, and finally, bone remodeling induced by the swelling, acting as a mechanical stimulus, was investigated. The study examined three co-polymeric ratios of methyl methacrylate and acrylic acid (MMA/AA)—80/20, 85/15, and 90/10—and assessed the impact of their associated swelling ratios on bone remodeling and fixation strength. Moreover, in parallel with the numerical investigations, an in vivo study using a sheep model was conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility of these anchors and bone remodeling response to the swelling. The numerical findings highlighted the importance of optimizing swelling ratios to enhance mechanical engagement without causing adverse resorption. More specifically, the results demonstrated that bone regeneration in the region of interest is highly sensitive to the swelling ratio. When the swelling is maintained within an optimal range—such as in the 85/15 composition—favorable densification occurs at the bone–implant interface, enhancing osteointegration. In contrast, excessive swelling (e.g., the 80/20 composition) induces localized overload resorption due to elevated stress concentrations at the interface, which may compromise implant success. Additionally, correlations found between the numerical and in vivo study outcomes supported the notion of an optimal swelling threshold and confirmed the predictive capabilities of the developed hygro-elastic finite element framework. To underscore the importance of favorable bone remodeling in the interface, a push-out study was performed to analyze the fixation strength prior and subsequent to bone remodeling. The significant difference in push-out forces before and after remodeling demonstrates that bone densification at the interface can substantially enhance fixation strength.
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Details
- Title
- Finite element analysis of bone remodeling induced by swelling anchors considering heterogeneous properties
- Creators
- Amirreza Sadighi - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsMehrangiz Taheri - Drexel University, College of EngineeringNolan J Black - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsJordan Stolle - Drexel UniversityMoein Taghvaei - Drexel UniversityMadeline Boyes - University of PennsylvaniaSorin Siegler - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsThomas P Schaer - University of PennsylvaniaAhmad Raeisi Najafi (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Publication Details
- Biomechanics and modeling in mechanobiology, v 24, pp 1937-1958
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 22
- Grant note
- A. R. Najafi's faculty start-up funding from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics at the Drexel University
The work was performed at Drexel University in the Multiscale Computational Mechanics and Biomechanics (MCMB) Lab. All simulations were conducted on Picotte, Drexel University's primary high-performance computing cluster, and on the clusters and PCs in the MCMB lab.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics; College of Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001550536300001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105013161186
- Other Identifier
- 991022076428104721
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Biophysics
- Engineering, Biomedical