title: Design and construction of a simulator for testing finger joint replacements.
abstract: A simulator for testing finger joint replacements was developed. Movement intervals of 15 degrees at flexion and extension plain can be set using an adjustable crank drive. The maximum range of motion is 105 degrees, 90 degrees being the maximum flexion and 15 degrees the extension. Thus, the simulator is also suitable for impingement tests. A constant joint load is infinitely variable from 20 N to 500 N. Test frequency is also infinitely variable from 0.2 Hz to 2 Hz. A modular assembly of the components of the prosthesis means that these can be positioned as required, and that any type of prosthesis may be tested. The design and the material allow for an all-round lubrication at a heat up to 37 degrees C. The equipment is designed for permanent operation. Pre-clinical quality assurance for finger joint replacements can be considerably improved by the implementation of the present simulator.
authors.affiliation: Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Mannheim, Labor für Biomechanik und Experimentelle Orthopädie, Theodor Kutzer Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim. markus.schwarz@ortho.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Bouman
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bayer
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Feinle
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology