A comparative study of the performance of metallic and FGM tibia tray components in total knee replacement joints

Finite element analysis has been used to predict knee implant biomechanical behavior under various loading conditions. Two-dimensional finite element models have been developed which include the artificial knee and portions of the surrounding biological materials to investigate the required design as a functionally graded material (FGM) tibia tray. The gradation of elastic modulus is changed vertically and horizontally in order to find the optimal gradation direction. The investigation has shown that the use of FGM tibia tray will give excellent performance, and will increase the life of the total knee prosthesis.

► Recently, FGM is used in the manufacturing of artificial joints.
► We compare the performance of metallic and FGM tibia tray components in TKR joints.
► Using FGM will produce a joint with properties nearest to that of natural one.
► Moreover, FGM will overcome stress shielding and shear stress problems.