Finite Element Analysis in Prosthesis and Orthosis Research

A special issue of Prosthesis (ISSN 2673-1592).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (13 December 2025) | Viewed by 3687

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Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
Interests: artificial tissues; implants; skin grafts; sensors; wearable technologies
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the launch of a Special Issue entitled “Finite Element Analysis in Prosthesis and Orthosis Research”. The aim of this Special Issue is to showcase the state-of-the-art advances in this area, and to seek papers related to finite element analysis (FEA) and its application in prosthesis and orthosis research and development. Furthermore, FEA is employed in the design and optimization of a wide range of implants including dental implants, artificial organs, upper and lower limb prostheses, orthotic insoles, braces, and splints, significantly changing the prosthetic and orthotic industry, and we would like to invite submissions on these domains as well. Both original research articles and review articles are welcome under this Special Issue. We encourage multinational collaboration for this Special Issue to submit novel studies with interdisciplinary work.

We look forward to receiving your excellent work.

Dr. Arnab Chanda
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Prosthesis is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • prosthetics
  • orthoses
  • biomechanics
  • finite element analysis (FEA)
  • implants
  • braces
  • splints
  • artificial organs
  • medical devices

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 2606 KB  
Article
A Proof-of-Concept Framework Integrating ML-Based MRI Segmentation with FEM for Transfemoral Residual Limb Modelling
by Ryota Sayama, Yukio Agarie, Hironori Suda, Hiroshi Otsuka, Kengo Ohnishi, Shinichiro Kon, Akihiko Hanahusa, Motoki Takagi and Shinichiro Yamamoto
Prosthesis 2026, 8(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis8020016 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 549
Abstract
Background: Accurate evaluation of pressure distribution at the socket–limb interface is essential for improving prosthetic fit and comfort in transfemoral amputees. This study aimed to develop a proof-of-concept framework that integrates machine learning–based segmentation with the finite element method (FEM) to explore the [...] Read more.
Background: Accurate evaluation of pressure distribution at the socket–limb interface is essential for improving prosthetic fit and comfort in transfemoral amputees. This study aimed to develop a proof-of-concept framework that integrates machine learning–based segmentation with the finite element method (FEM) to explore the feasibility of an initial workflow for residual-limb analysis during socket application. Methods: MRI data from a transfemoral amputee were processed using a custom image segmentation algorithm to extract adipose tissue, femur, and ischium, achieving high F-measure scores. The segmented tissues were reconstructed into 3D models, refined through outlier removal and surface smoothing, and used for FEM simulations in LS-DYNA. Pressure values were extracted at nine sensor locations and compared with experimental measurements to provide a preliminary qualitative assessment of model behaviour. Results: The results showed consistent polarity between measured and simulated values across all points. Moderate correspondence was observed at eight low-pressure locations, whereas a substantial discrepancy occurred at the ischial tuberosity (IS), the primary load-bearing site. This discrepancy likely reflects the combined influence of geometric deviation in the reconstructed ischium and the non-physiological medial boundary condition required to prevent unrealistic tissue displacement. This limitation indicates that the current formulation does not support reliable quantitative interpretation at clinically critical locations. Conclusions: Overall, the proposed framework provides an initial demonstration of the methodological feasibility of combining automated anatomical modeling with FEM for exploratory pressure evaluation, indicating that such an integrated pipeline may serve as a useful foundation for future development. While extensive refinement and validation are required before any quantitative or clinically meaningful application is possible, this work represents an early step toward more advanced computational investigations of transfemoral socket–limb interaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Analysis in Prosthesis and Orthosis Research)
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15 pages, 6894 KB  
Article
Parametric Finite Element Investigation of Hip Prosthesis Design: Influence of Trunnion Extension and Orientation Angles
by Mattia Concari, Gianfranco D’Avino and Michele Bertolini
Prosthesis 2025, 7(6), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7060144 - 10 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 887
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the static mechanical behavior of a non-modular metallic hip prosthesis through Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations, assessing compliance with ASTM F2996-13 standards. The analysis specifically evaluates how key geometric parameters, such as trunnion extension and orientation angles (adduction and [...] Read more.
Purpose: This study investigates the static mechanical behavior of a non-modular metallic hip prosthesis through Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations, assessing compliance with ASTM F2996-13 standards. The analysis specifically evaluates how key geometric parameters, such as trunnion extension and orientation angles (adduction and flexion), affect stress distributions within the prosthesis. Methodology: A three-dimensional finite element model of a Ti6Al4V alloy hip stem was developed. Boundary and loading conditions were defined according to the standard: the distal portion of the stem was fully constrained 90 mm below the head center, and a static load of 2300 N was applied at the head center along the directions defined by the adduction and flexion angles. A mesh sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure convergence, and stresses were evaluated. Parametric analyses varying trunnion extension and orientation angles were performed to quantify their impact on local stress concentration. Results: The findings revealed that even minor deviations in the adduction and flexion angles significantly impact the stress distribution, with the potting-level region being particularly sensitive. Additionally, the extension of the trunnion led to notably increased stress concentrations, especially at the prosthesis neck, highlighting its critical influence in implant design. Conclusions: Comparison with existing literature and standard reference data exposed discrepancies primarily attributed to variations in FEM model setups and parameter selections. This emphasizes the necessity of clearly specifying trunnion extension and orientation angles in numerical analyses to ensure consistent stress predictions, supporting the development of safer and longer-lasting hip implants. Future research should extend these analyses to different prosthesis geometries, aiming to develop generalized predictive frameworks applicable to diverse biomechanical scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Analysis in Prosthesis and Orthosis Research)
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16 pages, 11411 KB  
Article
Regenerated Bone Quality as a Determinant of Bone Turnover and Prognosis in Short Plateau Implants: A Finite Element Study
by Vladislav Demenko, Igor Linetskiy, Oleg Yefremov, Larysa Linetska, Natalia Smetankina and Andrii Kondratiev
Prosthesis 2025, 7(5), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7050123 - 25 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1441
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Finite element analysis (FEA) can predict biomechanical performance of dental implants in compromised bone. In the posterior maxilla, low bone density, thin cortex, and variable regenerated bone stiffness may lead to pathological peri-implant strains. This study examined the effects of implant diameter, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Finite element analysis (FEA) can predict biomechanical performance of dental implants in compromised bone. In the posterior maxilla, low bone density, thin cortex, and variable regenerated bone stiffness may lead to pathological peri-implant strains. This study examined the effects of implant diameter, cortical thickness, cancellous bone type, and regenerated bone elasticity on strain distribution in short plateau (Bicon SHORT®) implants. Methods: Three-dimensional FEA models of type III and IV maxillae with cortical layers of 1.0, 0.75, and 0.5 mm were developed. Implants of 4.5, 5.0, and 6.0 mm diameter were tested, with regenerated bone elasticity set to 25–100% of cortical values. An oblique load of 120.9 N at 75° was applied under full osseointegration, and first principal strains were compared with Frost’s 3000 με threshold. Results: Cortical strains remained at physiological levels, but cancellous bone in type IV often exceeded 3000 με, especially with smaller diameters and low regenerated stiffness. Enlarging implant diameter to 6.0 mm lowered cancellous maximal first principal strain by up to 56% in type III and 36% in type IV bone. Reduced regenerated bone elasticity markedly increased risk, particularly with cortical thickness < 0.75 mm. Conclusions: Biomechanical risk depends on implant diameter and regenerated bone quality. Wide short implants (6.0 mm) most effectively limited pathological strain under low cortical support and poor regenerated stiffness. Patient-specific FEA may guide implant choice and improve outcomes in atrophic maxilla rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Analysis in Prosthesis and Orthosis Research)
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