Wear Analysis for Total Knee Replacements Using the Method of Finite Element Analysis

The wear of polyethylene components in total knee replacements is one of the major factors limiting the longevity and success of knee replacements. The project will use finite element analysis and mathematical wear calculations to model wear in a total knee replacement. The model will then be used to compare the wear rate of conventional polyethylene, normally used in knee replacements to the new highly]cross linked polyethylene which recently became available. The completed wear model will be very beneficial to Matrix Biomedical as it will enable the comparison between different implant types, and open up possibilities for individual factors which effect wear to be investigated.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Christine Wu

Student:

Sean O'Brien

Partner:

Matrix Biomedical Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Manitoba