Advances in Computational Biomechanics for the Design and Adaptability of Prostheses

The design of prostheses has significantly evolved thanks to advances in biomechanics and computational simulation. Traditionally, the development of these devices relied on experimental testing and extensive clinical trials, which limited customization capabilities and increased costs. However, the incorporation of tools such as the Finite Element Method (FEM) has revolutionized the field, enabling the modeling of the structural and mechanical behavior of prostheses and implants prior to manufacturing. FEM facilitates the prediction of device performance under different biomechanical conditions, helping to optimize their design for improved load distribution, structural resilience, and interaction with biological tissues. While initially focused on human prostheses, FEM has also driven advancements in veterinary medicine, providing solutions to enhance mobility and quality of life for animals with orthopedic or rehabilitative needs.

This Research Topic aims to promote high-quality research that utilizes the Finite Element Method (FEM) to enhance the precision, functionality, and adaptability of prosthetic devices in both human and veterinary medicine. Contributions should address the biomechanical challenges inherent in the design, optimization, and validation of prostheses, fostering innovation in computational approaches for rehabilitation and mobility improvement.

We expect high-quality contributions that advance the field to consistently include experimental validation of numerical predictions. Effective experimental validation is a fundamental requirement for acceptance and should be present in all submissions. This validation may be based on tests conducted by the authors themselves or on previously published experimental data that have already been validated in earlier studies. Innovative approaches to model validation using comprehensive, novel, or bespoke experimental protocols are particularly welcome. Furthermore, we encourage research addressing the development and validation of population-level models, as well as the application of surrogate and AI-based in silico testing methodologies.

We welcome contributions in the following areas:
• FEM-based modeling and simulation of orthopedic prostheses, orthoses, and rehabilitation devices
• Structural design and optimization of implants considering bone–implant interaction
• Evaluation of innovative materials and their mechanical properties through FEM-based analysis in prosthetic applications
• Simulation of the behavior of prostheses and devices under different loading and wear conditions
• Applications of FEM in the customization of prostheses for human and veterinary medicine
• Additive manufacturing methods and advanced technologies applied to the production of prostheses and related devices
• Implementation of surrogate models, AI-based approaches, and in silico population-level simulations for virtual testing and optimization