Analisi strutturale-cinematica di artroprotesi di ginocchio mediante modelli FEM parametrici

This work represents a first investigation into a possible new approach for the design optimization of knee prostheses. The integration of a user subroutine into a commercial finite element program allowed for a structural-kinematic model of the joint. The subroutine reproduces the kinematics of the joint as described by an anatomical model. Starting from the geometry of a commercial prosthesis, different finite element models were designed. The models differ for the degree of conformity of the contact. The analysis showed a reduction of the maximum compressive stress by 15% as compared to the commercial prosthesis. At higher degrees of conformity, the compliance of the surface does not allow for a correct joint kinematics. Results obtained for the size and location of the contact area as the flexion angle increases were found to agree substantially with the experimental data of a previous work.