finite element analysis ; CFR-PEEK ; uni-compartmental knee
Abstract
This paper aimed to evaluate the biomechanical e ects of tibial bearing materials,
from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK)
and carbon-fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK). The studies were conducted based
on a validated finite element model. The geometry of the intact knee model was developed from
computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the left knee joint of a 37-year-old healthy
male volunteer. Three di erent loading conditions, related to the loads applied in the experimental
research, were applied to this study for model predictions and validation. The contact stress in the
other compartments was under normal walking conditions. Also, stresses on five regions of the tibia
bone were analyzed under normal walking conditions. The lowest contact stress between the lateral
meniscus and tibial cartilage was achieved in the order of the use of CFR-PEEK, PEEK, and UHMWPE
tibial bearings. Moreover, CFR-PEEK and PEEK tibial bearings indicated lower and greater stresses
on cortical and trabecular bones, respectively, compared to the UHMWPE tibial bearing. These results
show that CFR-PEEK can be used as a tibial bearing material as an alternative to UHMWPE, and
such a change in the material may be a good method for reducing potential anteromedial pain.