O tratamento cirúrgico do câncer bucal pode resultar em graves seqüelas das estruturas anatômicas envolvidas na fisiologia da cavidade bucal. A extensão e a localização da ressecção cirúrgica, assim como a condição dental, são determinantes do planejamento da prótese obturadora. Este trabalho emprega a Análise de Elementos Finitos para o estudo do comportamento biomecânico de uma prótese obturadora maxilar Classe IV de Aramany, em um modelo digital desenvolvido a partir de uma TC de um indivíduo adulto. O modelo tridimensional desenvolvido no programa Rhinoceros® versão 3.0 foi utilizado para a geração da malha de elementos finitos no programa FEMAP/NASTRAN®. Uma força de 120 N foi aplicada nas plataformas oclusal e incisal, correspondentes aos dentes posteriores e anteriores da prótese obturadora, para observação das forças de tensão geradas no tecido ósseo maxilar. Os resultados são apresentados sob a forma de análise qualitativa, indicada pela escala de Tensão Máxima Principal, e análise quantitativa, representada por valores em Mega Pascal (MPa). Observou-se que o carregamento posterior provoca tensão de tração e tensão de compressão, independentemente da região óssea avaliada, induz a uma maior tensão de tração em todas as regiões ósseas observadas e a uma maior tensão de compressão na região média anterior do palato. O carregamento anterior gera tensão de tração em todas as regiões ósseas consideradas e acarreta maior tensão de tração do que tensão de compressão, independentemente da região óssea avaliada. Concluiu-se que ocorre uma tendência de rotação da prótese em direção à área de ressecção cirúrgica, tanto para o carregamento posterior como para o carregamento anterior. O nível das tensões de tração e de compressão observado neste estudo indica que o comportamento biomecânico da prótese obturadora maxilar Classe IV de Aramany encontra-se dentro dos limites fisiológicos do tecido ósseo maxilar. / The surgical treatment of oral cancer may result in severe sequel of the anatomical structures involved in oral physiology. The extension and location of surgical resection, as well as the dental condition, enjoin the prosthetic planning of the obturator prostheses. This study employs the finite elements analysis to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of Aramany Class IV obturator prostheses, in a digital model developed from a computerized tomography of an adult individual. A tridimensional model was constructed applying the software Rhinoceros® version 3.0 and then it was used to develop the finite element mesh in the software FEMAP/NASTRAN®. A 120 N load was applied to the occlusal and incisal surfaces correspondent to the prosthetic teeth. The qualitative analysis was based on Principal Maximum Tension Scale and the quantitative analysis was expressed in Mega Pascal values. Results demonstrated that the posterior load generates tensile and compression stress and a higher tension stress regardless of the osseous region, as well as a higher compression stress on the anterior medial area of residual palate. Anterior load provokes tensile stress in each of the osseous regions evaluated, in addition to a higher tensile then compression stresses, despite of the osseous region. Therefore, it was concluded that the prostheses tends to rotate towards surgical resection areas during posterior and anterior loading. The amount of tensile and compression stresses observed herein indicates that the biomechanical behavior of Aramany Class IV obturator prostheses is within the physiological limits of the maxillary osseous tissue.

Additive manufacturing has a great potential to benefit die manufacture by shortening the lead time considerably and lifting the limitations on design complexity imposed by conventional manufacturing techniques. However, AM has its own requirements that together are known as Design for Additive Manufacturing and account for the process limitations. One of the significant requirements is mass efficiency of the design (it should be as light as possible). If it’s not fulfilled, AM won’t be able to make an economical solution or substitution despite having outstanding benefits. The present investigation has been framed with respect to such concern. This investigation attempts to draw a comparison between the performance of two design variants. Additionally, it has been tried to study the employed method, document implementation of the approach, and identify the challenges in accordance with design for additive manufacturing. Simulation of thermal stresses generated in die inserts for a given component during one cycle of high pressure die casting is presented. Initial design of the die inserts is subjected to redesign with the intention of mass reduction by incorporating honeycomb structure. Temperature evolution and resultant thermal stresses are analyzed for redesign and compared to those of original design. Simulation of high pressure die casting was carried out in MagmaSoft to obtain temperature history of die inserts and cast. Implicit nonlinear elastic fully coupled thermal displacement model was setup in Abaqus in which Magma results were used as input for stress calculation. Results show that according to our specific design, HPDC die with thin walled feature cannot withstand the thermal and mechanical load. However, with iterative analysis and proper topology optimization, a lightweight complex geometry die can be successfully made.

Failure of metallic structures operating under shock loading is a common occurrence in engineering applications. It is difficult to estimate the response of complicated systems analytically, due to structure&rsquo / s dynamic characteristics and varying loadings. Therefore, experimental, numerical or a combination of both methods are used for evaluations. The experimental analysis of the shocks due to firing is done for 12.7mm Gatling gun and 25mm cannon. During the tests, the Gatling gun and the cannon are located on military Stabilized Machine Gun Platform and Stabilized Cannon Platform respectively. For the firing tests, ICP (integrated circuit piezoelectric) accelerometers are attached to obtain the loading history for corresponding points. Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) analysis (nCode Glypworks) is done to define the equivalent shock profiles created on test pieces and the mount of 25mm cannon by means of the gun and the cannon firing. Transient shock analysis of the test pieces and the mount are done by applying the obtained shock profiles on the parts in a finite element model (ANSYS). Furthermore, experimental stress analysis due to shock loading is performed for two different types of material and different thicknesses of the test pieces. The input data for the analysis is obtained through measurements from strain rosette precisely located at the critical location of the test pieces. As a result of the thesis, a proposal is tried to be introduced where strain energy density theory is applied to predict the shock failure at military structures.

A novel and efficient methodology is developed for computer simulations of realistic two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) microstructures. The simulations incorporate realistic 2D and 3D complex morphologies/shapes, spatial patterns, anisotropy, volume fractions, and size distributions of the microstructural features statistically similar to those in the corresponding real microstructures. The methodology permits simulations of sufficiently large 2D as well as 3D microstructural windows that incorporate short-range (on the order of particle/feature size) as well as long-range (hundred times the particle/feature size) microstructural heterogeneities and spatial patterns at high resolution. The utility of the technique has been successfully demonstrated through its application to the 2D microstructures of the constituent particles in wrought Al-alloys, the 3D microstructure of discontinuously reinforced Al-alloy (DRA) composites containing SiC particles that have complex 3D shapes/morphologies and spatial clustering, and 3D microstructure of boron modified Ti-6Al-4V composites containing fine TiB whiskers and coarse primary TiB particles. The simulation parameters are correlated with the materials processing parameters (such as composition, particle size ratio, extrusion ratio, extrusion temperature, etc.), which enables the simulations of rational virtual 3D microstructures for the parametric studies on microstructure-properties relationships. The simulated microstructures have been implemented in the 3D finite-elements (FE)-based framework for simulations of micro-mechanical response and stress-strain curves. Finally, a new unbiased and assumption free dual-scale virtual cycloids probe for estimating surface area of 3D objects constructed by 2D serial section images is also presented.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-03-23Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:20:24Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 rossato_dm_dr_arafo.pdf: 3020954 bytes, checksum: 1a5b7cd1dca8b24d2c32a870ea1c52b3 (MD5) / Dentes tratados endodonticamente têm uma maior incidência a fraturas, tornando sua restauração um desafio para a Odontologia. Foram selecionados três incisivos centrais superiores humanos os quais foram restaurados com núcleo metálico fundido e coroa de cerâmica IPS emax®Press, núcleo de preenchimento em resina ccomposta associado ao pino de fibra de vidro e coroa de cerâmica IPS emax®Press e endocrown em cerâmica IPS emax®Press. Os dentes foram levados ao teste estático de fratura. Paralelamente foi realizado um modelo virtual de um incisivo central que apresentava características e restaurações representativas dos dentes que foram levados ao teste de fratura. A análise computacional pelo método dos elementos finitos 3D foi realizada. Os resultados obtidos nos dois tipos de análise realizada mostram que a coroa endocrown e o pino de fibra de vidro apresentaram um padrão de fratura que não afetou a estrutura radicular enquanto que o núcleo metálico fundido apresentou um padrão de fratura desfavorável envolvendo a estrutura radicular condenando o dente. Na análise dos elementos finitos obtivemos uma correta previsibilidade de onde as coroas e núcleos poderiam falhar. A análise dos elementos finitos é uma metodologia importante na análise de novas técnicas e novos materiais. / Restoration of endodontically treated teeth is a common problem in restorative dentistry, related to the fractures occurring in such teeth. Three human maxillary central incisor were selected and restaured with metal core and IPS emax®ceramic crown, glass fiber post with composite core and IPS emax®ceramic crown and IPS emax®ceramic endocrown. Static loading test were performed on each specimen until failure. Paralleled a 3D model of a maxillary central incisor is presented. The same characteristics of the real teeth used in the mechanical test were applied. A 3D finite elements analysis was made. The results of both analysis shows that endocrown and fiber post have a pattern of fracture that not involve the root while metal core presents a catastrophic pattern of fracture in the root. The FEM analysis is an important methodology in the development of new materials.

Orientador: José Roberto Cury Saad / Banca: Pedro Yoshito Noritomi / Banca: Luiz Alberto Plácido Penna / Banca: Edson Alves de Campos / Banca: Celso Luiz de Angelis Porto / Resumo: Dentes tratados endodonticamente têm uma maior incidência a fraturas, tornando sua restauração um desafio para a Odontologia. Foram selecionados três incisivos centrais superiores humanos os quais foram restaurados com núcleo metálico fundido e coroa de cerâmica IPS emax®Press, núcleo de preenchimento em resina ccomposta associado ao pino de fibra de vidro e coroa de cerâmica IPS emax®Press e endocrown em cerâmica IPS emax®Press. Os dentes foram levados ao teste estático de fratura. Paralelamente foi realizado um modelo virtual de um incisivo central que apresentava características e restaurações representativas dos dentes que foram levados ao teste de fratura. A análise computacional pelo método dos elementos finitos 3D foi realizada. Os resultados obtidos nos dois tipos de análise realizada mostram que a coroa endocrown e o pino de fibra de vidro apresentaram um padrão de fratura que não afetou a estrutura radicular enquanto que o núcleo metálico fundido apresentou um padrão de fratura desfavorável envolvendo a estrutura radicular condenando o dente. Na análise dos elementos finitos obtivemos uma correta previsibilidade de onde as coroas e núcleos poderiam falhar. A análise dos elementos finitos é uma metodologia importante na análise de novas técnicas e novos materiais. / Abstract: Restoration of endodontically treated teeth is a common problem in restorative dentistry, related to the fractures occurring in such teeth. Three human maxillary central incisor were selected and restaured with metal core and IPS emax®ceramic crown, glass fiber post with composite core and IPS emax®ceramic crown and IPS emax®ceramic endocrown. Static loading test were performed on each specimen until failure. Paralleled a 3D model of a maxillary central incisor is presented. The same characteristics of the real teeth used in the mechanical test were applied. A 3D finite elements analysis was made. The results of both analysis shows that endocrown and fiber post have a pattern of fracture that not involve the root while metal core presents a catastrophic pattern of fracture in the root. The FEM analysis is an important methodology in the development of new materials. / Doutor

A Análise de Elementos Finitos (AEF) vem sendo utilizada em diversos trabalhos na Odontologia, pois possibilita que o estudo in vitro simule uma situação clínica real. Neste estudo utilizou-se a Análise de Elementos Finitos para avaliar as tensões geradas por prótese total obturadora maxilar Classe II de Okay retida por implantes e utilizando os sistemas de retenção O\'ring e magneto. Avaliaram-se as tensões geradas no tecido ósseo, gengivo-mucoso e barras metálicas após a aplicação de cargas nas mesas oclusal e incisal. A Análise de Elementos Finitos foi realizada empregando-se um modelo digital desenvolvido a partir de uma tomografia computadorizada de um indivíduo edentado adulto, onde se simulou uma perda óssea condizente com uma maxilectomia, simulando a Classe II de Okay. Foram posicionados quatro implantes na maxila, na região de incisivo lateral, canino, segundo pré-molar e primeiro molar esquerdos, todos unidos por barra metálica onde se instalaram os sistemas de retenção escolhidos para esse estudo. Utilizou-se o programa Rhinoceros® versão 5.0 para gerar o modelo BioCAD 3D, onde foram incorporados os modelos CAD dos implantes, UCLAS e dos sistemas de retenção, obtendo-se dois modelos, Modelo 1, O\'ring e Modelo 2, magneto. A malha de elementos finitos foi gerada pelo programa Ansys® e nela foi aplicada uma força de 80 N na plataforma oclusal e 35 N na plataforma incisal, simultaneamente. Foi realizada uma análise qualitativa, correspondente à escala de tensão máxima principal e os valores quantitativos expressos em MPa. O deslocamento da prótese obturadora, no sentido da região sem suporte ósseo, foi maior no Modelo 1, O\'ring. A mucosa de revestimento, o osso cortical e o osso medular sofreram tensões de tração e compressão que variaram de acordo com o sistema de retenção utilizado, sendo que o Modelo 2, magnetos, transferiu mais tensões para essas estruturas. O Modelo 2, magnetos, apresentou tensões na região cervical de três implantes, enquanto o Modelo 1, O\'ring, apresentou somente em um implante. A barra metálica com retenções do tipo magneto sofreu tensões equivalentes de von Mises com valores semelhantes a barra metálica com O\'ring, no entanto a área envolvida foi maior em abrangência. Baseando-se nos resultados apresentados neste estudo, a utilização de ambos sistemas de retenção é indicada para reabilitação com próteses obturadoras implantorretidas, no entanto o modelo que utilizou retenção com O\'ring, apresentou comportamento biomecânico mais favorável para esse tipo de reabilitação. / The Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) has been used in several studies in Dentistry, as it allows that an in vitro study simulates a clinical scenario. In this study the Finite Element Analysis was used to evaluate the bone stress generated by an Okay Class II obturator implant retained prosthesis having Ball/O\'ring and magnetic attachment. The tensions generated over bone, soft tissue and metallic bars were evaluated after applied loads which simulated the masticatory activity. The Finite Elements Analysis, were done utilizing a digital model developed from a computer tomography of an adult subject, where it was simulated a bone loss in accordance with a maxillectomy, simulating an Okay Class II. Four implants were set in the left maxilla, on the lateral incisor, canine, second premolar and first molar, all linked by a metallic bar where the retention system chosen for this study was installed. The Rhinoceros® program, version 5.0 was used to generate the BioCAD 3D model, where the implant CAD models, UCLAS and retention systems were incorporated, obtaining two models, Model 1, Ball/O\'ring and Model 2, magnetic attachment. The finite elements mesh was generated by Ansys® program and an 80 N force was applied over it on the occlusal platform and 35 N on the incisal platform. A qualitative analysis was performed, corresponding to the maximum main stress and the quantitative values expressed on MPa. The obturator prosthesis movement in the direction of the area without the bone support was greater on the Model 1, O´Ring. The soft tissue, the cortical and medullar bones suffered compression and tensions which variated according with the retention system used, the Model 2, magnetic attachment, was the one transferring more stress to these structures. The Model 2, magnetic attachment, presented tensions on the cervical region at 03 implants, while the Model 1, Ball/O\'ring, presented only at one implant. The metallic bar with magnetic attachment suffered von Mises equivalent tensions with similar values to the metallic bar with Ball/O\'ring, however it covered a greater area. Based on the results obtained in this study, the use of both retention systems is indicated in the rehabilitation with implant retained obturator prosthesis, though the Model 1, Ball/O\'ring, presented a biomechanical behavior more suitable to this type of rehabilitation.

O tratamento cirúrgico do câncer bucal pode resultar em graves seqüelas das estruturas anatômicas envolvidas na fisiologia da cavidade bucal. A extensão e a localização da ressecção cirúrgica, assim como a condição dental, são determinantes do planejamento da prótese obturadora. Este trabalho emprega a Análise de Elementos Finitos para o estudo do comportamento biomecânico de uma prótese obturadora maxilar Classe IV de Aramany, em um modelo digital desenvolvido a partir de uma TC de um indivíduo adulto. O modelo tridimensional desenvolvido no programa Rhinoceros® versão 3.0 foi utilizado para a geração da malha de elementos finitos no programa FEMAP/NASTRAN®. Uma força de 120 N foi aplicada nas plataformas oclusal e incisal, correspondentes aos dentes posteriores e anteriores da prótese obturadora, para observação das forças de tensão geradas no tecido ósseo maxilar. Os resultados são apresentados sob a forma de análise qualitativa, indicada pela escala de Tensão Máxima Principal, e análise quantitativa, representada por valores em Mega Pascal (MPa). Observou-se que o carregamento posterior provoca tensão de tração e tensão de compressão, independentemente da região óssea avaliada, induz a uma maior tensão de tração em todas as regiões ósseas observadas e a uma maior tensão de compressão na região média anterior do palato. O carregamento anterior gera tensão de tração em todas as regiões ósseas consideradas e acarreta maior tensão de tração do que tensão de compressão, independentemente da região óssea avaliada. Concluiu-se que ocorre uma tendência de rotação da prótese em direção à área de ressecção cirúrgica, tanto para o carregamento posterior como para o carregamento anterior. O nível das tensões de tração e de compressão observado neste estudo indica que o comportamento biomecânico da prótese obturadora maxilar Classe IV de Aramany encontra-se dentro dos limites fisiológicos do tecido ósseo maxilar. / The surgical treatment of oral cancer may result in severe sequel of the anatomical structures involved in oral physiology. The extension and location of surgical resection, as well as the dental condition, enjoin the prosthetic planning of the obturator prostheses. This study employs the finite elements analysis to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of Aramany Class IV obturator prostheses, in a digital model developed from a computerized tomography of an adult individual. A tridimensional model was constructed applying the software Rhinoceros® version 3.0 and then it was used to develop the finite element mesh in the software FEMAP/NASTRAN®. A 120 N load was applied to the occlusal and incisal surfaces correspondent to the prosthetic teeth. The qualitative analysis was based on Principal Maximum Tension Scale and the quantitative analysis was expressed in Mega Pascal values. Results demonstrated that the posterior load generates tensile and compression stress and a higher tension stress regardless of the osseous region, as well as a higher compression stress on the anterior medial area of residual palate. Anterior load provokes tensile stress in each of the osseous regions evaluated, in addition to a higher tensile then compression stresses, despite of the osseous region. Therefore, it was concluded that the prostheses tends to rotate towards surgical resection areas during posterior and anterior loading. The amount of tensile and compression stresses observed herein indicates that the biomechanical behavior of Aramany Class IV obturator prostheses is within the physiological limits of the maxillary osseous tissue.

The current thesis focuses on the deformation behaviour and strain distribution in the microstructure of ductile iron during tensile loading. Utilizing Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and in-situ tensile test under optical microscope, a method was developed to measure high resolution strain in microstructural constitutes. In this method, a pit etching procedure was applied to generate a random speckle pattern for DIC measurement. The method was validated by benchmarking the measured properties with the material’s standard properties. Using DIC, strain maps in the microstructure of the ductile iron were measured, which showed a high level of heterogeneity even during elastic deformation. The early micro-cracks were initiated around graphite particles, where the highest amount of local strain was detected. Local strain at the onset of the micro-cracks were measured. It was observed that the micro-cracks were initiated above a threshold strain level, but with a large variation in the overall strain. A continuum Finite Element (FE) model containing a physical length scale was developed to predict strain on the microstructure of ductile iron. The materials parameters for this model were calculated by optimization, utilizing Ramberg-Osgood equation. For benchmarking, the predicted strain maps were compared to the strain maps measured by DIC, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The DIC and simulation strain maps conformed to a large extent resulting in the validation of the model in micro-scale level. Furthermore, the results obtained from the in-situ tensile test were compared to a FE-model which compromised cohesive elements to enable cracking. The stress-strain curve prediction of the FE simulation showed a good agreement with the stress-strain curve that was measured from the experiment. The cohesive model was able to accurately capture the main trends of microscale deformation such as localized elastic and plastic deformation and micro-crack initiation and propagation.

Λόγω των θεωρητικών πλεονεκτημάτων τους, τα συστήματα ισχίου που συνδυάζουν μεταβλητούς αυχένες και μεγάλες κεφαλές απέκτησαν βαθμιαία μεγάλη δημοτικότητα. Όμως, μεταξύ των άλλων, ανησυχίες διατυπώθηκαν για τις αλλαγές που τα συστήματα αυτά επιφέρουν στο πρότυπο των φορτίσεων στο εγγύς μηριαίο. Πράγματι, πρόσφατες αναλύσεις φορτίσεων έδειξαν ότι η χρήση των συναρμολογούμενων αυχένων και των μεγάλων κεφαλών αλλάζει σημαντικά την κατανομή των φορτίων κατά μήκος του μηριαίου. Η αρχική μας υπόθεση είναι ότι οι μεταβολές αυτές επηρεάζουν την πρώιμη άπω μετανάστευση του μηριαίου στυλεού. Εξετάσαμε, κατόπιν, την επίδραση της διαμέτρου της κεφαλής και της γεωμετρίας του αυχένα στην μετανάστευση του στυλεού μετά δύο χρόνια παρακολούθησης σε μια σειρά 116 ασθενών (125 ισχίων), οι οποίοι υποβλήθηκαν σε πρωτογενή ΜοΜ ΟΑΙ με την εγγύς αρθρωτή πρόθεση Profemur®E (Wright Medical Technology Inc., Arlington, TN) συνδυασμένη με κεφαλές μεγάλης διαμέτρου (≥40mm). Βρήκαμε ότι η επιλογή της γεωμετρίας του αυχένα και της διαμέτρου της κεφαλής δεν είχε καμία επίδραση στην μετανάστευση του στυλεού. Μία πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση παλινδρόμησης που περιέλαβε τους συγχυτικούς παράγοντες του δείκτη μάζας σώματος, της ποιότητας του οστού, της πλήρωσης του αυλού σε διάφορες θέσεις και της θέσης τοποθέτησης του στυλεού απεκάλυψε μόνο μια αρνητική συσχέτιση μεταξύ της καθίζησης και της πλήρωσης του αυλού στο ύψος της μέσης του στυλεού. Η στατιστική ανάλυση δεν επιβεβαίωσε την αρχική μας υπόθεση ότι η επιλογή της γεωμετρίας του αυχένα και/ή της διαμέτρου της κεφαλής επηρεάζει την πρώιμη άπω μετανάστευση του στυλεού. Απεδείχθη όμως η σημασία της σωστής εκτίμησης του μεγέθους του στυλεού. Για να διερευνήσουμε παραπέρα αν τα διαφορετικά πρότυπα φορτίσεων των διαφόρων κατευθύνσεων του αυχένα και των διαφορετικών διαμέτρων της κεφαλής παίζουν κάποιο ρόλο στην αυξημένη συχνότητα χαλάρωσης, σχεδιάσαμε μια ανάλυση πεπερασμένων στοιχείων και χρησιμοποιήσαμε σαν πρότυπο το σύστημα με τον ευθύ αυχένα και την κεφαλή των 28 χιλ. Χρησιμοποιώντας στοιχεία που προήλθαν από αξονικές τομογραφίες, αλλά και τη χρήση μιας σταθερής μετρητικής μηχανής, ένα πτωματικό μηριαίο και ο αρθρωτός στυλεός Profemur®E ψηφιοποιήθηκαν πλήρως, οδηγώντας μέσω του λογισμικού ANSYS Workbench σε ένα τρισδιάστατο μοντέλο πεπερασμένων στοιχείων. Αρχικά, προσδιορίσθηκαν τα φορτία και οι παραμορφώσεις, εστιάζοντας σε ορισμένες περιοχές κατά μήκος του μηριαίου: στο μηριαίο πλήκτρο και στην εξωτερική επιφάνεια κάτω από τον μείζονα τροχαντήρα, στην περιοχή του άκρου του στυλεού, καθώς και κατά μήκος της τραχείας γραμμής. Η ανάλυση των πεπερασμένων στοιχείων απέδειξε ότι η χρήση των μεγάλων κεφαλών προκαλεί σημαντικές αλλαγές στις παραμορφώσεις μέσα στον οστικό όγκο, σε σχέση με το μοντέλο με την κεφαλή των 28 χιλ. Στην εξωτερική επιφάνεια του μηριαίου, κατά μήκος της τραχείας γραμμής και στο άκρο του στυλεού η αύξηση της διαμέτρου οδηγεί σε αύξηση των παραμορφώσεων, ενώ στην περιοχή του μηριαίου πλήκτρου συμβαίνει το αντίθετο. Κατόπιν υπολογίσθηκαν οι μέσες τιμές των παραμορφώσεων για καθεμία από τις 11 γεωμετρίες του αυχένα, εστιάζοντας σε συγκεκριμένες περιοχές ενδιαφέροντος: στην έσω πλευρά του μηριαίου στο μηριαίο πλήκτρο, στην έξω πλευρά στην περιοχή κάτω από τον μείζονα τροχαντήρα, καθώς επίσης στην πρόσθια και οπίσθια επιφάνεια του μηριαίου και σε μια κυκλική περιοχή γύρω από το άκρο του στυλεού. Συγκρινόμενοι με το σύστημα με τον ευθύ αυχένα, ο αυχένας με πρόσθια κλίση 15° έδειξε μια αύξηση 17% και 17.7% στην πρόσθια και οπίσθια επιφάνεια του μηριαίου καιφαίνεται να είναι ο πιο επικίνδυνος. Ο ίδιος αυχένας έδειξε τη μεγαλύτερη αύξηση των παραμορφώσεων στην εξωτερική περιοχή ενδιαφέροντος (13%) και στο μηριαίο πλήκτρο (5%). Στην περιοχή του άκρου του στυλεού η μεγαλύτερη αύξηση καταγράφηκε με τον διπλής γωνίας βλαισό-οπίσθιας κλίσης αυχένα (15.4%), ενώ με τον 15° πρόσθιας κλίσης ήταν 11%. Πιστεύουμε, πάντως, ότι η δημοσιευμένη μεγαλύτερη συχνότητα άσηπτης χαλάρωσης των συγκεκριμένων συστημάτων δεν μπορεί να εξηγηθεί με τα ευρήματα αυτής της μελέτης. Αντίθετα η εξήγηση πρέπει να αναζητηθεί στη βιοδραστικότητα των μεταλλικών ιόντων που παράγονται από τις ΜοΜ συνδέσεις και όχι μόνο στην εμβιομηχανική αυτών των συστημάτων. / Due to their theoretical advantages, hip systems combining modular necks and large diameter femoral heads have gained gradually popularity. However, among others, concerns regarding changes in the load transfer patterns were raised. Recent stress analyses have indeed shown that the use of modular necks and big femoral heads alters significantly the strain distribution along the femur. Our original hypothesis was that these changes may affect early distal migration of a modular stem. We examined the effect of head diameter and neck geometry on migration at two years of follow-up in a case series of 116 patients (125 hips), who have undergone primary Metal-on- Metal THA with the modular grit-blasted Profemur®E (Wright Medical Technology Inc., Arlington, TN) stem combined with large-diameter heads (≥40mm). We found that choice of neck geometry and head diameter has no effect on stem migration. A multivariate regression analysis including the confounding variables of the body mass index, bone quality, canal fill and stem positioning revealed only a negative correlation between subsidence and canal fill in midstem area. Statistical analysis didn’t confirm our hypothesis that choice of neck geometry and/or head diameter affects early distal migration of a modular stem. However, the importance of correct stem sizing was revealed. In order to further investigate whether the different strain distributions of the various neck geometries and head diameters play a role in the increased rate of loosening, we designed a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and used as reference the loading behavior of the straight-neck system with the 28 mm head. Using data acquired by Computed Tomographies and a Coordinate Measurement Machine, a cadaveric femur and a Profemur-E modular stem were fully digitized, leading to a three dimensional finite element model in ANSYS Workbench. Firstly, strains and stresses were calculated, focusing on areas of clinical interest: the calcar and below the greater trochanter in the proximal femur, the stem tip region and a profile line along linea aspera. The performed FE analysis revealed that the use of large heads produces significant changes in strain development within the bone volume, with respect to the reference model featuring a typical femoral head of 28mm. In the lateral side, along linea aspera and for the stem tip area increasing the head diameter, results in strain rise, while in the calcar area the opposite is observed. Mean strain values, for each of the 11 available neck geometries were then calculated, focusing on specific regions of interest (ROIs) as a whole: medially the calcar and laterally the area below the greater trochanter, as well as, the anterior and the posterior surfaces of the femur and a circumferential area around the stem tip. Compared with the straight neck system, the 15° anteverted neck system showed an increase of 17% and 17.7% in the mean strain developed at the anterior and posterior ROIs respectively and seems to be the most precarious. The same neck showed the greatest strain increase also at the lateral ROI (13%) and at the calcar (5%). At the stem tip the greatest increase was recorded with the double-angled valgus-retroverted neck (15.4%), while for the 15° anteverted neck was 11%. We believe, however, that the reported higher incidence of aseptic loosening of modular-neck stems cannot be confirmed only by the findings of this study. Instead, the explanation should be sought also in the bioreactivity of the metal ions generated by the metal-on-metal junctions and not in the biomechanics of these systems alone.