Finite element analysis of bone‐prosthesis interface micromotion for cementless talar component fixation through critical loading conditions

The total ankle replacement (TAR) survivability rate is still suboptimal, and this leads to many orthopaedic surgeons opting arthrodesis as a better option for the ankle arthritis patients. One of the fundamental reasons is due to the lack of primary stability of the prosthesis fixation at the bone-prosthesis interface hence leading to long-term aseptic loosening of the talar component. The commercially available Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) Ankle design and several additional design features (including trabecular metal, side fin, double fin, and polka-dot designs) were studied using finite element analysis, and the bone-prosthesis interface relative micromotion (BPIRM) and talar bone minimum principal stresses were examined and analysed. Three loading conditions at a gait cycle of heel strike, midstance, and toe off with different meniscal bearing displacement were also included as part of the study parameters. The results were correlated to in vitro cadaveric measurements and reported clinical studies. Simulated results showed that the de-bonding relative distance between the bone and prosthesis upon loading (COPEN defined by the simulation software) was the main reason constituting to the high interface micromotion between the talar component and talus bone (which could lead to long-term aseptic loosening). The polka-dot design was shown to induce the lowest BPIRM among all the designs studied.