Published 4 issues per year
ISSN Print: 1050-6934
ISSN Online: 1940-4379
Indexed in
Techniques in the Development of a Lower Weight Medical Implants and Strength Validation Using Finite Element Methods
ABSTRACT
Artificial knees have been used in total knee arthroplasty for more than 6 decades. The major drawback of the medical implant is its weight, with the average weight of an artificial knee implant made of stainless steel and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene being approximately 450 g. Tne weight of the natural knee removed during arthroplasty is < 70 g. Thus, the increase in weight is approximately 600 percent, which causes muscle fatigue and decreased knee functionality. Our research aimed to develop an artificial knee implant, in which the design is modified and corrected to make the implant weigh less. The implant weight was reduced by drilling holes in thicker areas of the implant. The radius of the drill holes and their length inside the implant were controlled by conducting simulation studies using finite element modelling (FEM) techniques. These effects of using drills on implants reduced the implant weight to approximately 25 g. Performance was validated by loading the implants to 2000 N, which is approximately 15× the average body weight, and showed satisfactory results in weight reduction and performance of the new implant models.
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Banks S.,Bellemans J.,Nozaki H.,Whiteside L.A., Harman M., Hodge W.A., Knee motions during maximum flexion in fixed and mobile-bearing arthroplasties.
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BellemansJ, Banks S, Victor J, Vandenneucker H, Moemans A., Fluoroscopic analysis of the kinematics of deep flexion in total knee arthroplasty. Influence of posterior condylar offset.
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Dennis D.A., Komistek R.D., Stiehl J.B., Walker S.A., Dennis K.N., Range of motion after total knee arthroplasty: the effect of implant design and weight-bearing conditions.
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Sivarasu S, Mathew L., Design of an artificial high flexion knee.
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Sivarasu S, Mathew L., 3D CAD conceptual design of an artificial knee.
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Sivarasu S, Mathew L., Artificial knee implant design parameters affecting the range of motion improvement after the total knee arthroplasty.
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Sivarasu S, Mathew L., Modeling of an artificial knee for the customized needs of Indian population.
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Sivarasu S, Mathew L., Finite-element-based design optimization of a novel high flexion knee used in total knee arthroplasty.
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Sivarasu S, Mathew L., Design of an artificial high-flexion knee for Eastern lifestyles.