Study of Bone Density Changes for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with Stemless Implants

• Grant number: 23/14292-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Agostinho Hernandez
• Grantee: Rodolpho Gardenal Fabbre
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/05655-0 - Study of bone density changes for total shoulder arthroplasty with stemless implants, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has become a common treatment for glenohumeral joint degeneration. However, the failure rate in this type of treatment is much higher when compared to the treatment of other joints, mainly due to the extensive mobility and complex composition of the shoulder. To reduce the number of failures, a new stemless prosthesis model has been developed. However, there are still problems with this new device, such as loosening and stress shielding. Therefore, this study aims, in collaboration with researchers' partners, to conduct a comparative study of bone remodelling in total shoulder arthroplasty situations using The Arthrex Eclipse and Mathys Affinis prostheses with finite element (FE) models. From tomography scans analysed with Simpleware ScanIP software (v2022, Synopsys Inc., USA), it will be possible to obtain CAD models of the humerus bone and the prostheses. With these models and the biomechanics software FeBio (v2022, MRL and MBL, USA), FE models will be developed to aid in evaluating the behaviour of the implanted region with and without both prostheses under loading forces, thus enabling a better understanding of the phenomenon of stress shielding and the construction of a bone density map. We expect to understand more about bone remodelling and how the implant design influences stress shielding and implant anchorage. Finally, we aim to create mathematical and computational models to help predict implant failures and develop better prostheses, enhancing the well-being and longevity of patients requiring this type of surgical intervention.