Analysis of Porous Tibia Implant Designs Based on Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Scaffolds for Different Activities

The knee j oint is loaded differently during daily activities. Recovery and ability to practice different activities after total knee replacement (TKR) surgery still trouble most patients. Additively manufactured porous implants are promising candidates for matching natural bone performance. Detailed knowledge about the mechanical behavior of porous implants for tibia- TKR applications is essential for preclinical selection of implants. The current study analyzed three different implant designs based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS): schwarz, diamond, and gyroid. Models were analyzed using finite element analysis under dynamic loadings of most frequent activities; up-stairs and down-stairs, stand-up and sit-down, stance, and bend, walking and jogging to study the stress distribution in the bone and the implants. The results obtained in this study showed that jogging was the most difficult daily physical activity. Among the studied TPMS structures, the schwarz-stem implant showed the best mechanical performance.