Simulation of surface fatigue crack propagation in UHMWPE tibial components for total knee replacement

摘要

A simulation of surface fatigue damage to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components in total knee replacement is presented. Results of simulations of surface fatigue crack propagation were consistent with observed clinical damage. Extensions of these analyses to incorporate a more realistic description of the constitutive and fracture behavior of UHMWPE and three-dimensional geometry are discussed.