Finite Element Analysis of Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty Combined with Proximal Fibular Osteotomy

Abstract

Besides conservative methods, various surgical treatment modalities including high tibial osteotomy (HTO), unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been applied for the treatment of medial gonarthrosis. Combined application of UKA and PFO may enable longer implant survival by reducing the load over the implant and subsequent implant wear. We aimed to investigate on a finite element (FE) model, whether integrating a fibulectomy would reduce the contact stresses on the UKA implant. Finite Elements model developed to evaluate changes in the biomechanical environment resulting from UKA implantation and fibula osteotomy for use in the study. Menisci, bone and implants modeled as linear elastic isotropic material. We developed a 3D knee joint model with UKA implant and performed PFO on this model. A vertical load of 800N was applied anatomically to the femoral head. Stress on the tibial component was assessed before and after fibulectomy was performed. The contact stress was evaluated for UKA the mean stress (10,2 MPa ± 6,8) and for UKA + Fibulectomy (9,44 MPa ± 6,5). Combined application of PFO and UKA reduced contact stresses over the implant on a Finite Element Model. The findings of our observe additionally offer which might also additionally enhance the affected patient satisfaction, medical effects and implant survivorship of UKA.