英文摘要 |
Even though patellar complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remain unresolved, the technique of patellar re-surfacing is a major surgical feature. However, as has been found from current pathological reports, inaccuracy of implantation and poor component designs may largely comprise the failure causes for operations on patello-femoral joints. The study begins with establishing a 3D finite element model of the joint via reverse engineering (RE). The 3D models are then analyzed by means of computer-aided engineering (CAE). The attention of the computer simulation is on the contact behaviors of the patello-femoral joint as different knee bends occur. Meanwhile, the study is mainly to explore the major factors that result in fractures caused by patellar implants. Attention is also paid to the de-bonding effect that occurs between the interface between the natural patella and the patellar components. It has been found that the contact stresses vary from the three different flexion angles. However, all are within the maximum allowable limit for the corresponding materials. More importantly, the simulation shows that the main reason causing facet wear on patellar component surfaces is geometrical design. In addition, it is worth noting that the reason causing the patellar pegs to break is mainly de-bonding arising from the interface of the patella and the patellar component. Finally, a robust design for the configuration of the three pegs is suggested. |