In-situ simulation of one-piece metacarpophalangeal joint implants using finite element analysis

Generally, reconstruction of the rheumatoid metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is achieved by means of implantation of a hinged silastic prosthesis. Whereas these implants restore some degree of mobility to the joint, they are prone to failure after a relatively short life-span, and little is known abo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical engineering & physics 1997-06, Vol.19 (4), p.303-307
Main Authors: Penrose, J.M.T., Williams, N.W., Hose, D.R., Trowbridge, E.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
bioengineering
Biological and medical sciences
Computer Simulation
Elasticity
Finite element analysis
Humans
Joint Prosthesis - statistics & numerical data
MCP joint
Medical sciences
Metacarpophalangeal Joint
Orthopedic surgery
prostheses
Prosthesis Design - statistics & numerical data
Prosthesis Failure
Silicone Elastomers
simulation
Software
Stress, Mechanical
Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases
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Summary:Generally, reconstruction of the rheumatoid metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is achieved by means of implantation of a hinged silastic prosthesis. Whereas these implants restore some degree of mobility to the joint, they are prone to failure after a relatively short life-span, and little is known about their dynamical behaviour within the joint. In this study, the Swanson and Sutter designs of MCP implant were examined in an idealized joint environment by means of two-dimensional finite element analysis. The purpose was to assess how the differing geometry affected their behaviour as replacement joints, and whether they were inherently prone to abrasion and high stress concentrations during flexion. The results revealed the changing points of contact between the implant and the bone ends, and clearly showed the implant stems ‘pistoning’ in the intramedullary canals. This was found to be an effective way to provide preliminary information on the dynamic behaviour of an implant in a simulated joint. This would facilitate further optimization of design in advance of fabrication.
ISSN:1350-4533
1873-4030
DOI:10.1016/S1350-4533(96)00075-6