Flexible Automation and Integrated Manufacturing 1999

ISBN Print: 978-1-56700-133-4

STRESS ANALYSIS OF THE TALUS

DOI: 10.1615/FAIM1999.180
pages 193-200

Résumé

The talus is subject to large loads, which are passed down from the tibia and into the foot complex. These forces give rise to internal stresses within the talus, which may in time lead to deformation and fracture of the bone.
The purpose of this study was to analyse these stresses that occur, determining their levels and locations. This was achieved by developing a Finite Element (FE) model of the talus.
A three-dimensional casting of the bone was measured using a Co-ordinate Measuring Machine. This data was imported into the FE software package and a computer model produced. Appropriate material properties were assigned to the model, which was then restrained where required. A suitable element mesh was then generated and a load applied to the tibial articulating surface to simulate a normal standing load.
The analysis was performed and it was found that a maximum von Mises stress of 10.4 MegaPascals (MPa) was located in the lateral neck area. This correlates with clinical findings, where the neck region is a common failure site when fractures of the talus occur.