Dynamic Tibiofemoral Contact Mechanics in a Total Knee Replacement

Abstract

Wear of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial component of total knee replacements (TKR) depends upon the contact with the femoral component during motion. This study aimed to determine the dynamic contact mechanics within the tibiofemoral joint of a TKR while in a force-controlled knee simulator and to track the kinematics of the TKR system while in the wear simulator. These results were compared with those found in literature by the currently used simulator methods. Using a high-speed camera system, grey scale images of the contact between a transparent TKR tibial insert and the metal femoral component were captured with an industrial grade fiberscope mounted below the tibial insert within the simulator. The analysis of the images yielded quantification of contact area and its location on the tibial insert. The results compare well with those found in literature. Therefore, it has been shown that the novel instrumentation designed for this project is an accurate and feasible method to determine contact area and location on a TKR tibial insert under dynamic loading.