Research Highlights
Background & Standards
Total Elbow Arthroplasty currently falls outside existing ISO wear-testing standards (which cover hip, knee, spine), despite ASTM F2887-17 mandating wear tests for polymeric components—underscoring the need for a custom TEA simulator.
Commercial Simulator Survey
We reviewed market-leading rigs (ProSim, MTS Bionix®, EndoLab, AMTI Force 5) to inform our design: modular multi-rig architectures, adaptive hydraulic control, multi-axis load cells, and fluid encapsulation mechanisms.
Academic Adaptations
Researchers have adapted 6-DOF VIVO simulators for TEA, applying flexion-extension (20–120°) and varus-valgus loading protocols up to 1,250 N and 12 Nm, revealing bushing wear modes under distinct joint reaction force profiles.
Simulation Protocol
Our prototype targets ~1,400 cycles/day at 1 Hz (incorporating FE and PS motions) to simulate 10–20 years of elbow use in just 2–4 months—matching industry benchmarks and avoiding non-physiological overheating.
Design Specifications
Derived from our PDS: FE 0–140°, PS ±90°, VV ±3.5°; axial loads up to 2,094 N; synovial-fluid at 37 ± 1 °C flowing ≈100 µL/min; cycle frequency 1 Hz; and high maintainability, safety and reliability targets.
Future Work
Next steps include full dynamic FEA of machine components, bench and human-factor validation, inline wear-particle sensing, life-cycle analysis, and a modular multi-rig upgrade for higher throughput.