This dissertation was written as part of the MSc in Strategic Product Design at the
International Hellenic University.
The current dissertation thoroughly examines the development and design of a
tibial implant. The first step of the design process was to collect the appropriate data
from a tibia bone derived from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). The 3D Slicer 4.13.0 software package utilized in this operation to
extract the exact customed geometry of the tibia bone, by applying a segmentation
procedure, DICOM files are transformed into .STL format files. After the extraction of
the geometry, further processing via Autodesk MeshmixerTM was applied to smooth
the tibia bone 3D model and fill all the open surfaces without compromising the initial
outside dimensions of the tibia bone. The SolidWorksTM from Dassault Systems was
implemented for the design process of the tibial implant. To optimize the design
process, three key requirements were identified: implant geometry, implant fixation,
and mechanical stresses. The initial design of the tibial implant has to be examined
thoroughly regarding its mechanical response. AnsysTM, was used to perform Finite
Element Analysis on the component by setting fixation points and loading on the
occasion of the patient tripping. Structural optimization was necessary at this point, to
minimize the stress shielding effects and osseointegration. Two methods were
followed, to optimize the component; the density-based and the truss-based. Τhe CAD
models derived from the two methods were examined by using finite element analysis
applying the same boundary conditions and constraints as the initial design to
investigate whether the density-based method (removal of unnecessary materials) can
withstand the same loads. The same principle was applied to the truss-based method
with the lattice structures.
Collections
Show Collections
