The ‘Sliding Meniscus’ Knee Prosthesis: Design Concepts

Abstract

A 'sliding meniscus' knee prosthesis is proposed which includes design concepts as a consequence of biomechanical analyses undertaken. The biomechanical techniques included a range of movement study of the knee, knee force mechanics, mechanical testing, photoelastic studies and surface examination for loading and wear areas of the prosthetic components all of which led to a final design shape and size for a total knee joint replacement prosthesis. The prosthesis has a 'polycentric' femoral component which does not have to be precisely aligned in the femoral condyle; a tibial plateau which completely covers the cortex around the periphery of the tibia, horizontal alignment is necessary for this component; and four thicknesses of the sliding meniscus component which is congruent in the sagittal plane with the femoral component during load-bearing and flat on its lower surface for decreased wear and contact stress-levels.