Abstract
PEEK and carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (CFR-PEEK) materials have emerged as leading highperformance
materials for replacing metal components in orthopedic devices. In this study these
materials were critically evaluated as main load bearing components in total ankle replacement (TAR)
devices. Wear characterization was determined by conducting finite element analysis on second
generation Wright State University (WSU) TAR devices. Maximum von Mises stress value of
25.06 MPa was obtained for the optimized model with CFR-PEEK/UHMWPEas tibial/talar and
bearing components, which is comparable with stress value of 26.85 MPa obtained for Ti-6Al-4V/
UHMWPEmaterial model. A similar trend was observed for contact stress values as well, where an
average contact stress value of 6.61 MPa was obtained for CFR-PEEK/UHMWPEmodel which
corresponds to a wear rate of 0.03 (mm3 yr−1). Based on the obtained stress and wear results, and in
the absence of PEEK debris causing osteolysis data, CFR-PEEK was recommended as a potential
alternative to Titanium alloy in TAR devices. Further wear simulator testing is necessary to accurately
determine the wear behavior of TAR models.
materials for replacing metal components in orthopedic devices. In this study these
materials were critically evaluated as main load bearing components in total ankle replacement (TAR)
devices. Wear characterization was determined by conducting finite element analysis on second
generation Wright State University (WSU) TAR devices. Maximum von Mises stress value of
25.06 MPa was obtained for the optimized model with CFR-PEEK/UHMWPEas tibial/talar and
bearing components, which is comparable with stress value of 26.85 MPa obtained for Ti-6Al-4V/
UHMWPEmaterial model. A similar trend was observed for contact stress values as well, where an
average contact stress value of 6.61 MPa was obtained for CFR-PEEK/UHMWPEmodel which
corresponds to a wear rate of 0.03 (mm3 yr−1). Based on the obtained stress and wear results, and in
the absence of PEEK debris causing osteolysis data, CFR-PEEK was recommended as a potential
alternative to Titanium alloy in TAR devices. Further wear simulator testing is necessary to accurately
determine the wear behavior of TAR models.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | doi: 10.1088/2057-1976/2/6/065012 |
| Journal | Biomedial Physics & Engineering Express |
| Volume | Biomed. Phys. Eng. Express 2(2016)065012 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Dec 2016 |
Fields of Expertise
- Advanced Materials Science
- Human- & Biotechnology