Biomechanical research on endo-skeletal trans-tibial monolimb

Monolimb is a new type of lower-limb prostheses made of polymerie materals, in which the socket and prosthetic shank are integrative. Compared with traditional prosthesis, monolimb is more economical, good-looking and portable, so it indicates a potential application in the future. So far the related research mainly focused on the fabrication, CAD/CAM, or clinical test. Because of the structural difference between monolimb and traditional prosthesis, biomechanical research on trans-tibial monolimb is necessary and helpful. In this article, a 3D FE model based on real geometry shape of an endoskeletal trans-tibial monolimb was established. The stress distribution was obtained under the load corresponding to the subphase of stance of Heel Off. Keeping the same geometrical shape, 3D FE models of transtibial monolimbs with different wall thickness are established. The influence of wall thickness on the stress distribution was analyzed. The influence of mechanical property of four kinds polymerie materiels on stress distribution was studied. Also the stress distributions were given under the loads of five typical subphases of stance respectively. The results and conclusions in this article are expected to be valuable for improving the design of monolimb.