Simulation of the filtration mechanism of hyaluronic acid in total knee prosthesis

JOSÉ DI PAOLO; MARCELO E. BERLI; DIEGO M. CAMPANA; SEBASTIÁN UBAL; LUCIANO D. CÁRDENES

Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Año: 2007 vol. 90 p. 1 - 8

1742-6588

Polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear in current knee prosthesis causes prosthesis loosening after no more than 15 years. In this work, a steady state one-dimensional lubrication model with non- Newtonian fluid, porous elastic layer on tibial component, ultra-filtration mechanism of fluid and some features of the surface roughness is studied through a numerical technique based on the Finite Element Method. The results show that the UHMWPE stiffness makes difficult the lubrication mechanism of the artificial joint and promotes abrasive and fatigue wear. Nevertheless, the use of compliant porous materials on the tibial component could reduce friction and wear. Moreover, the ultra-filtration mechanism promotes efficiency on the joint.