Investigating Material Performance in Artificial Ankle Joints: A Biomechanical Study

Abstract

This study delves into an in-depth examination of the biomechanical characteristics of various materials commonly utilized in the fabrication of artificial ankle joints. Specifically, this research focuses on the design of an ankle joint resembling the salto-talaris type, aiming to comprehensively understand its performance under different loading conditions. Employing advanced finite element analysis techniques, this investigation rigorously evaluates the stresses and displacements experienced by the designed ankle joint when subjected to varying loads. Furthermore, this study endeavors to identify the vibrating frequencies associated with these displacements, offering valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of the ankle joint. Notably, the analysis extends to studying random frequencies across three axes of motion, enabling a comprehensive assessment of directional deformities that may arise during joint function. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed design, a comparative analysis is conducted against the star ankle design, a widely recognized benchmark in ankle joint prosthetics. This comparative approach serves dual purposes: confirming the accuracy of the findings derived from the salto-talaris design and elucidating the relative efficacy of the proposed design in practical application scenarios.