A numerical study on stress distribution across the ankle joint: Effects of material distribution of bone, muscle force and ligaments.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to develop a realistic three dimensional FE model of intact ankle joint.

METHODS: Three dimensional FE model of the intact ankle joint was developed using computed tomography data sets. The effect of muscle force, ligaments and proper material property distribution of bone on stress distribution across the intact ankle joint was studied separately.

RESULTS: Present study indicates bone material property, ligaments and muscle force have influence on stress distribution across the ankle joint.

CONCLUSION: Proper bone material, ligaments and muscle must be considered in the computational model for pre-clinical analysis of ankle prosthesis.