Parametric Design of Porous Structure and Optimal Porosity Gradient Distribution Based on Root-Shaped Implants

Porous structures can reduce the elastic modulus of implants, decrease stress shielding, and avoid bone loss in the alveolar bone and aseptic loosening of implants; however, there is a mismatch between yield strength and elastic modulus as well as biocompatibility problems. This study aimed to investigate the parametric design method of porous root-shaped implants to reduce the stress-shielding effect and improve the biocompatibility and long-term stability and effectiveness of the implants. Firstly, the porous structure part was parametrically designed, and the control of porosity gradient distribution was achieved by using the fitting relationship between porosity and bias and the position function of bias. In addition, the optimal distribution law of the porous structure was explored through mechanical and hydrodynamic analyses of the porous structure. Finally, the biomechanical properties were verified using simulated implant-bone tissue interface micromotion values. The results showed that the effects of marginal and central porosity on yield strength were linear, with the elastic modulus decreasing from 18.9 to 10.1 GPa in the range of 20-35% for marginal porosity, with a maximum decrease of 46.6%; the changes in the central porosity had a more consistent effect on the elastic modulus, ranging from 18.9 to 15.3 GPa in the range of 50-90%, with a maximum downward shift of 19%. The central porosity had a more significant effect on permeability, ranging from 1.9 x 10-7 m2 to 4.9 x 10-7 m2 with a maximum enhancement of 61.2%. The analysis showed that the edge structure had a more substantial impact on the mechanical properties. The central structure could increase the permeability more effectively. Hence, the porous structure with reasonable gradient distribution had a better match between mechanical properties and flow properties. The simulated implantation results showed that the porous implant with proper porosity gradient distribution had better biomechanical properties.