Question

In knee replacement procedure with an artificial prosthesis, as bioengineer what properties should you consider in selecting the materials for this application? What type of material fit the application?

Answer 1

Ans. In knee replacement procedure ,(artificial replacement ) parts can be made of strong plastic ,metal or ceramic . All knee replacement ,partial or total will have parts made of a few different materials (metal and plastic) . In most cases ,each component is built from titanium ,cobalt - chromium alloys , or a titenium and cobalt mixed metal.

The metal femoralcompobent curves around the end of femur ( thigh bone) .

properties of choosen material:

1. Cobalt- chromium Alloys:this metal is biocompatible, tough ,durable ,and will not broken down inside body . It is used for femoral implant .

2. Titanium and titanium cobalt: it is used as frequently as cobalt- chromium. Titanium cobalt alloy biocompatible,will not corrode, nor change inside the body ,it is more elastic and favorable to natural bone surrounding the implant . Since this metal is softer ,make up tibial part replacement .

.​​​​​3.Polythene : this is type of strong plastic found in the tibial patellar (kneecap) component and the plastic spacer. It allows the metal piece to glide smoothly throughout movement . This is metal - free.