Chapter 35 - Biomechanical analysis of artificial knee joint components

Abstract

Anatomy is a branch of science that studies the normal shape and structure of the human body, the organs and the systems that make up the body, and the relationship between them. The skeleton, which forms the anatomical structure of the body and ensures its posture, consists of various bones and carries a large part of the body’s load. Subjected to heavy body mass load, the knee joint is at great risk of strain and injury. Therefore, biomechanical analysis of artificial knee joint components is an important issue. While metals are used instead of bone in artificial knee joints used in knee prostheses, polymers act as a cartilage. Corrosion and wear are less in metal, and polyethylene-based artificial knee joints, and optimum articulation takes place between the joint surfaces. In this study, stainless steel, Co-Cr alloys, Ti alloys, and cementless implants used in knee joint implants are emphasized. Modeling of different structures of prostheses having 3D geometry using computer graphics programs such as finite element analysis, resonance imaging, or computed tomography was briefly evaluated. Finally, various biomechanical tests applied to knee implants were examined. Among these, especially tensile, compression, fatigue, three-point bending, torsion, indentation, biotribology tests, and kinematic and kinetic analyzes were examined. In conclusion, many advances have been made in experimental and analytical methods in the kinematics, kinetics, contact mechanics, and lubrication of artificial knee and hip joints in the recent years. These new techniques have allowed implant designers and clinicians to provide better, longer-lasting prostheses for thousands of people.