Jia Zhang, MD | Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Hengyan Zhang, MD; Xuemeng Mu, MD
Competition Sponsor: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Awardee Year: 2025
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) effectively treats end-stage osteoarthritis, but periprosthetic fractures remain a serious complication, especially in elderly osteoporotic patients. This project proposes a novel concept of “mechanical reinforcement for prevention” by designing a lateral support component for the femoral prosthesis.
Using high-precision CT scans, patient-specific finite element models will be established to identify stress concentration zones in the distal femur post-TKA. Based on this analysis, a cobalt-chromium alloy support component will be innovatively designed, optimizing its geometry and placement to reinforce the lateral distal femur.
The component’s efficacy will be validated through finite element simulation, biomechanical testing, and animal studies. This approach is expected to fundamentally improve stress distribution, significantly reduce periprosthetic fracture incidence, and improve patient outcomes, offering substantial clinical and socioeconomic benefits.