Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of implant orientation and implant material on tibia bone strain,
implant–bone micromotion, maximum contact pressure, and wear depth at the articulating surface due to total ankle
replacement. Three-dimensional finite element models of intact and implanted ankle were developed from computed
tomography scan data. Four implanted models were developed having varus and valgus orientations of 5 and 10,
respectively. In order to determine the effect of implant material combination on tibia bone strain, micromotion, contact
pressure, and wear depth, three other finite element models were developed having a different material combination of
the implant. Dorsiflexion, neutral, and plantarflexion positions were considered as applied loading condition, along with
muscle force and ligaments. Implant orientation alters the strain distribution in tibia bone. Strain shielding was found to
be less in the case of the optimally positioned implant. Apart from the strain, implant orientation also affects implant–
bone micromotion, contact pressure, and wear depth. Implant materials have less influence on tibia bone strain and
micromotion. However, wear depth was reduced when ceramic and carbon fibre–reinforced polyetheretherketone
material combination was used. Proper orientation of the implant is important to reduce the strain shielding. The
present result suggested that ceramic can be used as an alternative to metal and carbon fibre–reinforced polyetheretherketone as an alternative to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to reduce wear, which would be beneficial for long-term
success and fixation of the implant.
implant–bone micromotion, maximum contact pressure, and wear depth at the articulating surface due to total ankle
replacement. Three-dimensional finite element models of intact and implanted ankle were developed from computed
tomography scan data. Four implanted models were developed having varus and valgus orientations of 5 and 10,
respectively. In order to determine the effect of implant material combination on tibia bone strain, micromotion, contact
pressure, and wear depth, three other finite element models were developed having a different material combination of
the implant. Dorsiflexion, neutral, and plantarflexion positions were considered as applied loading condition, along with
muscle force and ligaments. Implant orientation alters the strain distribution in tibia bone. Strain shielding was found to
be less in the case of the optimally positioned implant. Apart from the strain, implant orientation also affects implant–
bone micromotion, contact pressure, and wear depth. Implant materials have less influence on tibia bone strain and
micromotion. However, wear depth was reduced when ceramic and carbon fibre–reinforced polyetheretherketone
material combination was used. Proper orientation of the implant is important to reduce the strain shielding. The
present result suggested that ceramic can be used as an alternative to metal and carbon fibre–reinforced polyetheretherketone as an alternative to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to reduce wear, which would be beneficial for long-term
success and fixation of the implant.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 318-331 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2019 |