Abstract
Stress-shielding between the implant material and the bone is closely linked to the loosening of current metallic (titanium) orthopedic implants. A material having properties that closely match those of bone will decrease this shielding problem and improve implant fixation (1). This study uses a composite of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) to produce an isoelastic intramedullary implant (i.e., an implant with a stiffness equivalent to that of bone). A finite element model (FEM) was developed and numerical results were confirmed by experimental bending tests.
Volume Subject Area:
Plastics in Orthopaedic Implants
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Copyright © 1997 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
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