| Abstract: | Interdisciplinary development of an artificial knee joint endoprosthesis as a “combined plastic-metal-construction” . Endoprostheses for joints of the human locomotor apparatus under certain indications serve as permanent implants for eliminating painful changes of joints (e. g. arthrosis) as well as for restoration of essential joint functions (e. g. knee bending). The complexe correlation of biological-physiological factors and problems concerning materials and nature of load requires the adequate interdisciplinary co-operation of orthopaedic surgeons and engineers. On example of the prototype development of a total prosthesis for the knee joint the biomechanical conditions are sketched by means of the kinematics, statics, dynamics and tribology of normal natural joints (hip and knee) as a basis for the derivation of compensational functions. Already existing models are discussed, and the conception as well as the construction and production of the prototype of an artificial knee joint (“hinge joint-principle”) as a combined “plastic-metal-system” is described. |
