Study on Dynamic Response Analysis of Artificial Knee Joint Considering Viscoelastic Property.

Abstract

In the case of severely destroyed knee joint, total knee arthroplasty is applied to the knee joint as surgical treatment. The loosening problem on the contact surface between the artificial knee joint and bone, and impact property of the artificial knee joint have been investigated based on the elastic properties of the bone. We have to take into the consideration of the viscoelastic properties of the bone. In this paper, axisymmetric finite element method is developed for analyzing dynamic behavior of viscoelastic materials. The impact stress wave propagation behavior in the artificial knee joint, which is caused by strike on the distal end of tibia, is investigated using our finite element method. From the results of simulation, the impact stress acting in tibia considering viscoelasticity is about 30%∼80% of elasticity case. Maximum stress decreases toward the proximal direction. On the contact surface between the artificial knee joint and bone, maximum stress increases by double due to reflection of wave.