The choice of artificial material inside a human body is a challenging task for the implant designer and manufacturer. For a successful implant inside the leg, the material should be compatible, wear and chemical resistant. Uneven loading conditions and irregular shape of bone making the interface uneven, make it even more challenging for a designer and manufacturer.
The present thesis deals with experimental study of a failed knee implant material removed owing to wear and loosening. Investigation of wear and inclusions was carried out and the results were interpreted. The material grain structure was studied in the light of its fatigue strength criterion.
Analytical study of the implant was carried out. An attempt was made to form a design rationale for the implant taking into account the wear pattern and stability in transmission of forces. The analysis at the interface of the femoral and the tibial bearing surface was carried. Finite element analysis software Intergraph's I/F. E. M. 2.2 software was used to study deformation.
During the course of the research a comprehensive survey of biomaterials used for hard tissue implant and various designs of implants has been conducted. The present investigation has opened doors to various vistas of problems in biomechanics of knee, design of knee implants and factors affecting the selection of a good material for these implants. A treatise on approach to solutions to each of these problems forms the scope for future research.