Computational modelling of biomechanics and biotribology for artificial knee joint

Contact mechanics analysis and wear assessment of total knee replacement (TKR) are essential for investigating potential failures of knee implants. This chapter firstly review a large number of literatures, which have introduced the structure, kinematics, and biomechanics of knee joint, the kinematics and biomechanics of knee replacement, the material and the designs of the TKR, surgical factors, and subject-specific factors on biomechanics and wear behavior of TKR, using laboratory simulators, finite element (FE) models, multibody dynamics (MBD) models, and computational wear models. Second, the general method of establishment of MBD model was introduced, and the coupling wear prediction framework, which integrated MBD model, FE model, and computational wear modelling of TKR were described in detail. Third, the effects of the interaction of biomechanics and biotribology of artificial knee joint have been investigated using the combination of multibody dynamic model, finite element model, and wear model, then the boundary conditions, including the load application methodology and the kinematics of medial-lateral translation on contact mechanics and wear, were also studied, at last, the effects of implants design on biomechanics and biotribology were described. Furthermore, the statement of the importance of interaction method was emphasized in the last part. The significance of the interaction between biomechanics and biotribology was also accounted. Finally, the clinical implications, limitations and challenges, further work were introduced in the last part of this chapter.