Stress analyses of implanted orthopaedic joint prostheses for optimal design and fixation.

Given the loading characteristics of the joint and given the bone in which the prosthesis has to be implanted, stress values may be limited by using an optimal prosthesis design) a prosthesis and interconnecting layer with optimal material properties and an optimal implantation procedure as to its mechanical consequences. It has been recognized recently in orthopaedic research literature that the optimal design and material parameters can only be evaluated using stress analyses, either experimental or theoretical. It is the object of this paper to show that experimental stress analyses of intramedullary fixation systems give limited information, but are useful if the results are interpreted correctly; furthermore to show that useful information can be acquired using simplified theoretical simulation