Optimal design of ball-socket on artificial cervical joint complexity by finite element analysis

Objective: To optimize the design of ball-socket of artificial cervical joint complexity. Method: A three-dimension model of the artificial cervical joint complexity was constructed by the finite element method. The height range of the ball-socket handle in the model was set. A simulation was manipulated to optimize the height under the physical load. The stress and strain of the joint complexity with different sizes was analyzed and the systematic safety factor was also evaluated. Results: The simulation showed that the maximum Von mises stress appeared at the joint of handle and bottom in the anteflexion position. As the height of the handle increased, the maximum strain increased, and the graph of minimum safety factor was Parabola curve. Conclusions: Considering the systematic stability and mobility, when the height of handle is 6 mm, the design of ball-socket is considered to be optimal.