Multiscale characterization and representation of composite materials during processing.

Given the importance of residual stresses and dimensional changes in composites manufacturing, process simulation has been the focus of many studies in recent years. Consequently, various constitutive models and simulation approaches have been developed and implemented for composites process simulation. In this paper, various constitutive models, ranging from elastic to nonlinear viscoelastic; and simulation approaches ranging from separated flow/solid phases to multiscale integrated phases are presented and their applicability for process simulation is discussed.

Mechanisms of stem subsidence in femoral impaction allografting.

Failure of the femoral component of total hip arthroplasty is often accompanied by bone loss that can pose a significant challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. Femoral impaction allografting has attractive potential for restoring bone stock in deficient femurs. However, there have been reports of problematic postoperative stem subsidence with this procedure.

In vivo evaluation of calcium polyphosphate for bone regeneration.

Current problems associated with bone allografts include risk of disease transmission, limited availability, and cost. Synthetic scaffolds have been proposed as substitute graft materials to address these issues. Calcium polyphosphate is a novel synthetic scaffold material that has shown good mechanical properties and biocompatibility.

The effect of abductor muscle and anterior-posterior hip contact load simulation on the in-vitro primary stability of a cementless hip stem.

Background: In-vitro mechanical tests are commonly performed to assess pre-clinically the effect of implant design on the stability of hip endoprostheses. There is no standard protocol for these tests, and the forces applied vary between studies. This study examines the effect of the abductor force with and without application of the anterior-posterior hip contact force in the in-vitro assessment of cementless hip implant stability.

Effect of bone graft substitute on marrow stromal cell proliferation and differentiation.

Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are ideally suited for tissue engineered bone grafts since they have the potential to regenerate bone, but may also maintain the homeostasis of the repaired tissue through their ability for self-renewal. An ideal bone graft substitute should support MSC self-renewal as well as differentiation to ensure complete bone defect regeneration and maintenance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of different substrate materials on MSC expansion and differentiation.

Influence of cement penetration and graft density on stem stability in impaction allografting: a finite element study.

Background: Excessive stem migration is often problematic after impaction allografting. The mechanisms responsible for migration are not known, but achieving a dense graft bed has traditionally been believed to be essential for stem stability. When the stem is cemented into the allograft bed, however, the graft becomes infiltrated with bone cement.

Impaction allografting--the effect of impaction force and alternative compaction methods on the mechanical characteristics of the graft.

Revision total hip replacement with impaction allografting has an attractive potential for restoring bone stock, however, fractures and implant migration remain problematic. Postoperative graft deformation is believed to contribute to migration. Under compressive loading, the fluid in the graft takes up the load initially through fluid pressure that dissipates over time.

Structural characteristics of impaction allografting for revision total hip arthroplasty.

Background: The impaction allografting procedure for treatment of failed hip reconstructions has shown promising but variable results. The objective of this study was to compare the structural characteristics of revision total hip arthroplasty constructs with impaction allografting (cement+morsellized bone) with all-cement and all-morsellized bone constructs.

Methods: Uniaxial cyclic compression was applied to a simplified uniaxial, parallel, aluminum tube model to simulate normal gait.