STRESS-ANALYSIS OF A FLEXIBLE ONE-PIECE TYPE 1ST METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT IMPLANT

Two-dimensional finite element analysis was used to obtain the magnitude and distribution of the stresses in models of two different designs of a flexible one-piece double-stemmed first metatarsophalangeal joint implant. The loading and constraint conditions have been reported by previous researchers to occur in vivo at the joint during the push-off phase of the normal walking cycle. Based on the results obtained, the authors recommend the direction that future studies in this area should take.