Suitability of developed composite materials for meniscal replacement: Mechanical, friction and wear evaluation

Abstract

Medical grade silicone reinforced with nylon was fabricated into composites using compression moulding. Samples of both fibre and non-fibre reinforced silicones were mechanically evaluated. The composite with the optimum properties has its tensile modulus increased significantly from 10.7 ± 2.9 MPa to 114.6 ± 20.9 MPa when reinforced with 5% v/v nylon fibres. This value is within the circumferential tensile modulus of the native meniscus. Unlike the tensile modulus, the compressive modulus of the composite was found to reduce from 2.5 ± 0.6 MPa to 0.7 ± 0.3 MPa when fibres were incorporated; which is closer to the aggregate compressive modulus of the native meniscus. The meniscus, a complex and frequently damaged tissue, requires a substitute capable of reproducing similar biomechanical functions, and the developed composite material with comparable mechanical characteristics could serve as a useful step in the goal of producing meniscal replacement that gives satisfactory long term outcomes.

A review of recent advances in tribology

“…Apart from tribological investigations, other aspects such as the improvement of bone regeneration and anti-bacterial activity also became increasingly focused [369]. Whilst the majority of studies in joint tribology focused on the hip and the knee, other joints such as the elbow [370] and the radial head [371], the patellofemoral [372], the meniscus [373], the shoulder [374], the finger [375], the temporomandibular joint [376], and the ankle [377] were also investigated. Furthermore, animal joints such as the canine hip implant were considered [378].…”

Functional Characteristics and Mechanical Performance of PCU Composites for Knee Meniscus Replacement

“…The composite samples were formulated using a 5% fiber volume fraction. The percentage of the various constituents was based on a computation of fiber diameter, fiber length and the number of fibers, as discussed in our previous work [60]. The composite material was prepared using the combinations of the different PCUs and the reinforcement fibers.…”