1. Introduction
With advancements in computer technology, finite element analysis (FEA) has become a crucial method in biomechanics research and is now widely applied in the medical field [
1,
2,
3]. Its applications are primarily concentrated in two areas: (1) Design and optimization of medical devices [
4,
5,
6]: the mechanical properties of medical devices often determine their clinical effectiveness. Using FEA to simulate mechanical experiments on devices offers advantages such as shorter research times, lower costs, comprehensive mechanical performance testing, and strong repeatability. This method aids in both the design and improvement of medical devices. (2) Biomechanical simulation experiments [
7,
8,
9]: by establishing three-dimensional finite element models of the human body, including bones, blood vessels, muscles, and other vital organs, and assigning biomechanical properties to these models, researchers can conduct mechanical experiments such as tension, bending, torsion, and fatigue resistance. These experiments analyze deformation, stress distribution, strain distribution, internal energy changes, and ultimate failure under different experimental conditions. FEA has already been extensively applied to pelvic biomechanics research [
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15].
The pelvis is one of the common sites for primary and metastatic tumors, with from approximately 10% to 15% of primary malignant bone tumors occurring in the pelvis [
16]. Pelvic tumor resection and reconstruction, especially around the acetabulum, are challenging procedures with high technical demands and many postoperative complications. Currently, due to advancements in adjuvant chemotherapy, imaging, and surgical techniques, limb-salvage surgery has become the primary treatment method for malignant pelvic tumors [
17]. Surgical reconstruction options after tumor resection include arthrodesis, hip transposition, allograft/autograft reconstruction, and endoprosthetic reconstruction [
18,
19,
20,
21,
22,
23]. Among these, endoprosthetic reconstruction is favored for its stability, aesthetic benefits, early mobility, and the absence of complications related to bone grafting. In clinical settings, various types of hemipelvic endoprostheses are employed, such as ice-cream cone prostheses, saddle prostheses, modular prostheses, and 3D-printed hemipelvic prostheses [
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30]. Ice-cream cone and saddle prostheses, however, require substantial retention of the ilium for fixation, which restricts their use in many cases [
31]. Moreover, 3D-printed hemipelvic prostheses offer several advantages, including a highly customized fit that improves anatomical matching and allows for better reconstruction of the pelvis. They facilitate personalized surgical approaches, which can enhance postoperative function and patient outcomes such as reducing the risk of infection, the chance of dislocation, or failure of the implant. Additionally, 3D printing enables complex designs that are difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. However, these prostheses also come with notable limitations, such as long production times, high costs, and limited long-term clinical data. Challenges with osteointegration and variability in mechanical properties further impact their durability and overall performance, making them less suitable for urgent or cost-sensitive cases [
29,
32,
33]. Modular hemipelvic prostheses offer the flexibility to be assembled intraoperatively, even when significant iliac resection is necessary [
16,
34]. Their relatively smaller size allows for better soft tissue coverage during surgery, reducing dead space and enabling stronger muscle reconstruction, which enhances hip joint function rehabilitation and theoretically lowers the risk of deep postoperative infections. Early studies on modular hemipelvic prosthesis replacement for pelvic ring defects have shown that stress is primarily distributed in the sacroiliac joint, arcuate line, acetabulum, and femoral neck, aligning with the path of pelvic force conduction [
35,
36,
37]. Postoperative patients can engage in necessary physical activities early on, meeting partial weight-bearing needs.
However, due to varying degrees of pelvic ring defects following pelvic tumor resection, it is difficult to accurately position the acetabulum during prosthesis placement, leading to potential positional deviations and displacements in the hip joint rotation center. The impact of these deviations on pelvic stress distribution after modular hemipelvic prosthesis replacement has not yet been reported. This study uses thin-slice CT scan data to establish finite element models of different hip joint rotation centers following modular hemipelvic prosthesis replacement. By simulating stress loading in a standing position, we analyze various models’ stress magnitude and distribution to provide biomechanical guidance for clinical practice.
4. Discussion
Due to variations in pelvic shape and size among different genders, races, and regions, researchers have utilized diverse subjects for three-dimensional finite element modeling of the pelvis [
40,
47]. The complexity of the pelvic ring’s anatomical structure makes it challenging to establish an accurate and robust research model through anatomical measurement, sketching, and data imported into CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software [
48]. Currently, CT and MRI cross-sectional imaging data are frequently used, with CT image stacking technology employed to reconstruct three-dimensional models [
49,
50,
51,
52]. The thickness, resolution, and reconstruction methods of cross-sectional images directly influence model accuracy. Higher precision leads to experimental results that more accurately reflect the human body’s actual situation. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) offers detailed bone microstructure data for three-dimensional finite element modeling and allows for precise stress and strain analysis of cancellous bone, callus, and surrounding soft tissue. Consequently, some researchers have used micro-CT scanning data for modeling, significantly enhancing the accuracy of the models and experimental results [
53,
54]. In this study, pelvic data were obtained from a healthy 26-year-old male volunteer, 174 cm tall and weighing 70 kg. A spiral three-dimensional CT scan of the pelvis was performed with a layer spacing of 0.6 mm, producing DICOM data, which were imported into Mimics 19.0 software for three-dimensional model reconstruction. Considering the prosthesis’s regular shape and incorporating existing research, geometric data were carefully measured, and certain parts were simplified. A three-dimensional solid model of the prosthesis was created using SolidWorks 2021 software. The assembly of bone tumor resection and prosthesis replacement was simulated, and both standard position prosthesis reconstruction models and models with different hip joint rotation centers were constructed. The finite element model was meshed and mechanically loaded using ProE Wildfire 5.0 and ANSYS 19.0, with seamless integration.
Setting the material properties of different structural components is a crucial step and fundamental requirement for finite element mesh division when constructing a finite element model [
55]. In the pelvis, the stress on cortical bone is approximately 50 times greater than that on cancellous bone. Therefore, the pelvis is often simplified as composed entirely of cortical bone, as this assumption minimally affects the overall stress distribution [
11]. Human bones exhibit anisotropy, meaning that stress and strain relationships in the longitudinal direction of cortical bone differ from those in the transverse direction, and the mechanical properties of cortical and cancellous bone vary across different body regions. Some researchers have modeled both cortical bone and prostheses as continuous, homogeneous, isotropic elastic materials, while others have considered the cortical bone to be anisotropic [
56,
57]. Comparative studies have shown that while anisotropic analysis is more complex, the differences in results compared to isotropic models are not significant [
11,
45,
58]. This study, consistent with most literature, defines bone tissue as a continuous, isotropic, linear elastic material with fully bonded interfaces [
59].
For finite element mesh division, solid elements are typically either tetrahedral or hexahedral. Tetrahedral elements can produce results that closely approximate theoretical values, while hexahedral elements offer greater stability in model analysis and are less affected by mesh simplification [
60]. This study followed previous research practices by using tetrahedral-shaped solid elements for meshing the model [
37,
61]. The normal pelvic model consisted of 746,537 elements and 123,933 nodes; the hemipelvic prosthesis model contained 178,969 elements and 31,763 nodes; and the rotational center models post-prosthesis replacement, with different positions, included 631,376 elements and 109,347 nodes. When standing on both feet, the primary stress in the normal pelvis originated from the anterior S1 vertebra, passing through the S1 vertebra, bilateral sacroiliac joints, and iliac crest, and transmitted to the acetabular roof and both lower limbs. Specifically, the anterior S1 vertebra experienced 3.24 MPa of stress, the bilateral sacroiliac joints experienced 3.50 MPa, the iliac crest experienced 2.93 MPa, and the acetabular roof experienced 1.71 MPa, with symmetrical bone tissue stress on both sides. The stress on internal structures was relatively low, aligning with previous findings. This consistency indicates that the finite element prosthesis model is accurate, effectively analyzing static bone stress distribution and calculating stress magnitudes in the pelvis after semi-pelvic prosthesis assembly during standing.
When standing, the stress in the pelvis is primarily distributed around the sacroiliac joint, the arcuate line, the acetabulum, and the femoral head. The forces from the trunk are transmitted to the lower limbs through the axial bones [
62]. Early finite element analyses of the pelvis, such as those by Vasue and Rapperport et al. [
63,
64], utilized two-dimensional data to establish their models. However, these models struggled to simulate the three-dimensional mechanical conduction mechanisms of the pelvis and were limited in their ability to fully analyze the mechanical characteristics of the pelvic ring across different planes. Goel et al. [
65] developed a three-dimensional finite element analysis model of the pelvis but predominantly focused on the hip joint, often neglecting the stress distribution in the sacroiliac joint and the pelvic ring. As finite element research progressed, Anderson et al. [
66] introduced a three-dimensional individualized design scheme for the pelvis. They demonstrated that variations in cortical bone thickness and elastic modulus could significantly influence pelvic stress distribution. This underscores the importance of considering individual patient characteristics in clinical practice and, if necessary, developing individualized models. Phillips et al. [
67] advanced finite element modeling by incorporating the complete reconstruction of muscles and ligaments around the pelvis. Their 3D finite element model notably reduced stress concentration in both cortical and cancellous bone, offering a more accurate representation of the biomechanical characteristics of the living pelvis compared to previous models that only reconstructed the three-dimensional skeleton. This approach represents a significant advancement in finite element modeling by integrating muscular and ligamentous components.
Since surrounding ligaments and hip-circling muscles, along with their insertion points, were partially removed after pelvic tumor resection, the contraction directions of the reconstructed muscles would inevitably change. This alteration prevents an effective analysis of the biomechanics of the hip-circling muscles. Consequently, the current study model did not include the reconstruction of pelvic muscles and ligaments.
The stress distribution in both the normal pelvis model and the standard position prosthesis model during standing was primarily concentrated in the upper part of the sacral internal surface, the sacroiliac joint, the iliac crest, and the superior edge of the acetabulum. Zhou et al. [
36] also confirmed this stress transmission pattern in the normal pelvis. The findings of the current study align with this distribution, showing that the internal side of the ischial ramus experiences less stress during standing compared to the pelvic ring biomechanics of the ischial tuberosity arch [
68]. This stress distribution pattern is consistent with the normal physiological state of the pelvis, and the experimental results corroborate the actual situation. These results are in agreement with those of other researchers [
11], thereby verifying the reliability and accuracy of the model.
From the stress distribution maps of all implant replacement models in the standing position, it is evident that stress concentration primarily occurred in the upper part of the sacral internal surface, the sacroiliac joint, the arch of the foot, the upper edge of the acetabulum, and the junction between the implant and the hip cup. Notably, the maximum stress value was observed at the connection between the implant and the hip cup.
For the standard replacement model, the stress distribution across the entire pelvic ring was relatively uniform, with no significant concentration at the ends of the implant. The near-end fixed screws and the smooth transition of the implant resection-bearing surface resulted in minimal stress at the fixation points of the pubic ramus and acetabulum, as well as the pubic ramus and the pubic fixation screw. This distribution closely resembled the stress characteristics of the normal model.
In the inward displacement model, stress concentration was noted in the upper part of the sacral internal surface, the sacroiliac joint, the arch line, the connecting rod, and both sides of the acetabular top. The stress distribution was similar to the standard model, with the maximum stress occurring in the connecting rod of the prosthesis (8.61 MPa). The stress in the bone-cutting bearing surface was lower than in the standard model. Still, maximum stress was observed at the distal end of the pubic bone, particularly at the fixation points of the pubic bone with the acetabulum, the pubic bone itself, and the pubic fixation screw. This suggests that the inward displacement model was prone to stress concentration in the pubic bone, resulting in higher stress values.
In the outward displacement model, the stress distribution was similar to the standard model, with only a slight increase in the stress value of the prosthesis compared to the standard model. The maximum stress value was found in the connecting rod of the prosthesis (5.36 MPa), while the stress in the bone-cutting bearing surface was 4.06 MPa—both lower than in the standard model. Compared to the inward displacement model, the outward displacement model exhibited a more uniform stress distribution, with generally lower stress values. This indicates that the outward displacement model’s stress distribution and magnitude were closer to those of the standard model, with a more even distribution and reduced stress values.
In the backward displacement model, the stress distribution was similar to the standard model, though the stress values were slightly higher. The maximum stress value occurred in the implant’s connection rod (9.31 MPa). The stress in the contralateral sacroiliac joint in the backward model was higher than in the ipsilateral joint, contrasting with the standard and other displaced models. The proximal and distal connection areas of the implant also showed significant stress increases, with the proximal longitudinal fixation screw exhibiting the highest stress among all models. This indicates a tendency for stress concentration at the contralateral sacroiliac joint, the connecting rod, and the proximal longitudinal screw in the backward model.
The stress distribution in the forward displacement model resembles that of the standard model, with only a slight increase in stress values. The maximum stress in the implant’s connection rod was 7.81 MPa. Although the stress distribution was similar to the standard model, there were minor differences in stress magnitude. Compared to the backward model, the forward displacement model showed a stress distribution and magnitude closer to the standard model, with a more uniform stress distribution and smaller overall stress values.
In the downward displacement model, the stress distribution was similar to the standard model, with a slight increase in stress values at the implant. The maximum stress in the implant’s connection rod reached 5.91 MPa, and the bearing surface of the resection was 3.98 MPa, both smaller than in the standard model. The stress distribution in other areas was relatively uniform, and compared to the upward displacement model, the downward displacement model showed lower maximum stress values. This indicates a more uniform stress distribution in the vertical direction, which helps avoid stress concentration and results in smaller stress values.
Therefore, the bone stress distribution after standard position replacement was relatively uniform, which supports the recovery of overall bone mechanics and aligns closely with natural bone stress conduction and distribution. This uniformity helps reduce stress concentration. When the hip joint rotation center deviated, although the stress distribution pattern of the pelvis remained similar, the stress magnitudes varied. Specifically, outward, forward, and downward deviations resulted in stress distributions and magnitudes similar to those in the standard position replacement model. However, when the implant connector rod and the proximal lateral fixation screw were displaced backward by 10 mm, the stress values reached their maximum across all models, indicating that backward displacement is likely to cause stress concentration in these components. Similarly, when the proximal central screw was displaced upward by 10 mm, it showed the highest stress value among all models, suggesting significant stress concentration at this location. Inward displacement of the implant by 10 mm resulted in stress concentration at three key locations: the distal end of the implant, where the acetabular fixation point and the ischial tuberosity were fixed; the ischial tuberosity itself; and the ischial fixation screw. These were the maximum values observed in all models, indicating that inward displacement is prone to causing stress concentration at the ischial tuberosity. Overall, compared to outward, upward, and forward displacements, inward, upward, and backward displacements were more likely to cause varying degrees of stress concentration in the pelvis and the prosthesis. Previous studies have indicated that the fatigue strength of cortical bone in the pelvis ranges from 120 to 150 MPa, while the fatigue strength of the modular hemi-pelvic prosthesis includes a tensile strength (σb) of 965 MPa for TC4 titanium alloy, a yield strength (σ0.2) of 905 MPa, and a tensile strength of 500 MPa with a yield strength of 405 MPa for TA2 titanium plate. The maximum stress values obtained in this study were significantly lower than these theoretical fatigue strengths, suggesting that the pelvis and prosthesis exhibit a high degree of safety and are less likely to experience fatigue or fracture when standing on both feet. However, this study did not account for stress distribution and magnitude during the gait cycle with prostheses, leaving the stress behavior of the prosthesis in daily activities undetermined. Thus, further research is needed to evaluate stress distribution during the gait cycle, particularly for inward, upward, and backward displacements.
The selection of a 70 kg volunteer for this study was based on this weight approximating the average body mass of patients treated in our clinical practice. While the study utilized this representative weight, the biomechanical conclusions are expected to be applicable to patients with both lower and higher body masses [
69]. At the same time, the material mechanical properties of the implants in this study were assumed to be homogeneous, continuous, and isotropic. This assumption, while common in current finite element analysis models of bone, does not reflect the true anisotropic nature of real materials and represents an inherent limitation of this method [
70].
In terms of modeling, this study did not simulate cancellous bone or reconstruct and analyze hip muscles, cartilages, intervertebral discs, and ligament tissues. The focus was solely on the biomechanical analysis of the semi-pelvic implant assembly used for reconstructing bone defects following pelvic tumor resection, specifically exploring the stress distribution of the semi-pelvic implant assembly with different hip joint rotation centers in the standing position of the lower limbs.
In a standing position, the pelvis bears no more than the weight of the patient [
44]. During the gait cycle, the stress on the pelvis can increase significantly, reaching up to 4–7 times the patient’s weight on the side of the foot in contact with the ground and up to 10 times the weight of the patient during running and jumping [
71,
72,
73]. Consequently, static stress analysis alone is inadequate for a comprehensive evaluation of prosthesis safety and durability. To accurately assess the stress distribution pattern of the pelvis with an implanted prosthesis in daily life, it is necessary to conduct analyses under gait cycle conditions and simulate specific actions performed by the patient.
Future research should aim to incorporate more realistic data by reconstructing the surrounding hip muscles, cartilages, intervertebral discs, and ligaments. Utilizing micro-CT to obtain the microstructure of cancellous bone and establishing a more precise finite element model will enhance the accuracy of the analysis. Comparative studies should then evaluate the stress distribution of the modular semi-pelvic prosthesis in various body positions (e.g., sitting, standing on one or two legs) under different loading states, walking speeds, and phases of the gait cycle. Such research will provide valuable insights and guidance for the clinical rehabilitation of patients undergoing such procedures.