Application of finite element analysis in pre-operative planning for deformity correction of abnormal hip joints – a case series

In experimental and clinical research, it is difficult to directly measure responses in the human body, such as contact pressure and stress in a joint, but finite element analysis (FEA) enables the examination of in vivo responses by contact analysis. Hence, FEA is useful for pre-operative planning prior to orthopaedic surgeries, in order to gain insight into which surgical options will result in the best outcome. The present study develops a numerical simulation technique based on FEA to predict the surgical outcomes of osteotomy methods for the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphyses. The correlation of biomechanical parameters including contact pressure and stress, for moderate and severe cases, is investigated. For severe slips, a base-of-neck osteotomy is thought to be the most reliable and effective surgical treatment, while any osteotomy may produce dramatic improvement for moderate slips. This technology of pre-operative planning using FEA can provide information regarding biomechanical parameters that might facilitate the selection of optimal osteotomy methods and corresponding surgical options.