The development of a synthetic meniscal implant that does not require surgical attachment but still provides the biomechanical function necessary for joint preservation would have important advantages. We present a computational-experimental approach for the design optimization of a free-floating polycarbonate-urethane (PCU) meniscal implant. Validated 3D finite element (FE) models of the knee and PCU-based implant were analyzed under physiological loads. The model was validated by comparing calculated pressures, determined from FE analysis to tibial plateau contact pressures measured in a cadaveric knee in vitro. Several models of the implant, some including embedded reinforcement fibers, were tested. An optimal implant configuration was then selected based on the ability to restore pressure distribution in the knee, manufacturability, and long-term safety. The optimal implant design entailed a PCU meniscus embedded with circumferential reinforcement made of polyethylene fibers. This selected design can be manufactured in various sizes, without risking its integrity under joint loads. Importantly, it produces an optimal pressure distribution, similar in shape and values to that of natural meniscus. We have shown that a fiber-reinforced, free-floating PCU meniscal implant can redistribute joint loads in a similar pattern to natural meniscus, without risking the integrity of the implant materials.
Skip Nav Destination
e-mail: eran.ganz@activeimplants.com
Article navigation
September 2010
Design Innovations
Design of a Free-Floating Polycarbonate-Urethane Meniscal Implant Using Finite Element Modeling and Experimental Validation
Jonathan J. Elsner,
Jonathan J. Elsner
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Search for other works by this author on:
Sigal Portnoy,
Sigal Portnoy
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Search for other works by this author on:
Gal Zur,
Gal Zur
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Search for other works by this author on:
Farshid Guilak,
Farshid Guilak
Duke University Medical Center
, Durham, NC 27710
Search for other works by this author on:
Avi Shterling,
Avi Shterling
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Search for other works by this author on:
Eran Linder-Ganz
Eran Linder-Ganz
Research and Development Center,
e-mail: eran.ganz@activeimplants.com
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Search for other works by this author on:
Jonathan J. Elsner
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Sigal Portnoy
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Gal Zur
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Farshid Guilak
Duke University Medical Center
, Durham, NC 27710
Avi Shterling
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israel
Eran Linder-Ganz
Research and Development Center,
Active Implants Corporation
, Netanya 42505, Israele-mail: eran.ganz@activeimplants.com
J Biomech Eng. Sep 2010, 132(9): 095001 (8 pages)
Published Online: August 17, 2010
Article history
Received:
April 21, 2010
Revised:
May 24, 2010
Posted:
May 31, 2010
Published:
August 17, 2010
Online:
August 17, 2010
Citation
Elsner, J. J., Portnoy, S., Zur, G., Guilak, F., Shterling, A., and Linder-Ganz, E. (August 17, 2010). "Design of a Free-Floating Polycarbonate-Urethane Meniscal Implant Using Finite Element Modeling and Experimental Validation." ASME. J Biomech Eng. September 2010; 132(9): 095001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4001892
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
How Irregular Geometry and Flow Waveform Affect Pulsating Arterial Mass Transfer
J Biomech Eng (December 2024)
Phenomenological Muscle Constitutive Model With Actin–Titin Binding for Simulating Active Stretching
J Biomech Eng (January 2025)
Image-Based Estimation of Left Ventricular Myocardial Stiffness
J Biomech Eng (January 2025)
Related Articles
Synthetic Soft Tissue Characterization of the Mechanical Analogue Lumbar Spine
J. Med. Devices (June,2008)
Bioactive Magnetoelastic Materials as Coatings for Implantable Biomaterials
J. Med. Devices (June,2009)
Application of Computational Biomechanics in Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Design
J. Med. Devices (June,2008)
Design of an Endoreactor for the Cultivation of a Joint-Like-Structure
J. Med. Devices (June,2009)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Based Hybrid Biopolymer Scaffold
International Conference on Mechanical and Electrical Technology, 3rd, (ICMET-China 2011), Volumes 1–3
Effects of Ultrasound Stimulation on Chondrocytes in Three-Dimensional Culture in Relation to the Production of Regenerative Cartilage Tissue
Biomedical Applications of Vibration and Acoustics in Therapy, Bioeffect and Modeling
Example Open-Book Questions
Quick Guide to the API 570 - Certified Pipework Inspector Syllabus