The design and structural analysis of the endoprosthesis of the shoulder joint

Abstract

The shoulder joint is a crucial element of the upper limb and is necessary to maintain full mobility during daily activities. Similar as in the hip, it is an example of a ball and socket joint, enabling articulation between the head of the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula. By studying kinematics of upper limbs, it is possible to distinct several possible movements in the shoulder joint. Due to many painful diseases and medical conditions, it may be crucial to perform a pain reducing procedure, like shoulder joint replacement. In order to preserve the function of the joint, the endoprosthesis should be designed exclusively for the patient. To assess a scale of damage in the joint or its specific structure, the shoulder was scanned using the computed tomography procedure. Results of the scan were processed with the use of Materialise Mimics software, which converts standard 2D images into 3D CAD models. Necessary analysis and measurements were taken leading to the beginning of the designing process. The prosthesis was created using Solid Edge software, developed especially for the purpose of rapid prototyping. After determining the physical properties of structural materials, the Finite Elements Analysis of the model was conducted using SolidWorks Simulation software under various load conditions.