Author : Devadath V R 1
Date of Publication :27th April 2017
Abstract: There is a huge demand for biomedical implants in recent years, especially for Total Knee Replacement (TKR) implants. The complex geometries of patient-specific biomedical implants are tedious and time-consuming to fabricate using conventional manufacturing methods. Emerging technology like Additive Manufacturing (AM) has a wide scope by allowing complexity in geometry and a huge reduction in manufacturing times of these implants. In a total knee replacement of posterior cruciate-retaining type, the tibial spacer is one of the important components of the implant. In this research tibial spacer was fabricated by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process using bio-compatible material Poly Carbonate-ISO (PC-ISO). The fabricated component tibial spacer made of PC-ISO was analysed for wear and strength, it was found that production time by AM technology is less when compared with the conventional processes, it also exhibited higher hardness and higher resistance than the most widely used material Ultra High Molecular Weight Poly Ethylene (UHMWPE). The experimental test results were within the limits as per medical journals. The surface roughness was also tested and found to be within the satisfactory range required for the knee mechanics.
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