three-dimensional finite element model for the biomechanical analysis of total ankle replacement

The artificial ankle joint implant has been developed since 1970 after the relatively successful total hip and knee arthroplasty. The main goal of ankle replacement is to eliminate pain and preserve joint motion. Unfortunately, total ankle replacement (TAR) has not been effective as implant of other joints. Recently, published studies of early series showed that the newer second-generation ankle prosthesis have been improved with time. However, only one of the three current ankle designs is allowed by FDA to be used widely in the U.S. This study provides a new ankle design with an advanced approach in designs, biomechanical rationale, and implantation using finite element method (FEM). The new ankle prosthesis in designed to be optimal in terms of ultimate stress, implant parameter that correlating with minimal bone removal using finite element model created from CT scan. In addition, its implantation is less invasive and traumatic compared to the current TAR with longer expecting service life time. Case study showed that the thickness meniscus of the new ankle design obtained from FEM is well within the recommendation ranges by the expert in the ankle joint implantation field.