Finite element analysis of MEMS flexible pressure sensor for total ankle replacement

For several decades, research has been conducted for total ankle replacement to be established as the optimal surgical treatment for diseased or degenerative ankle joints. Few reports exist regarding computer assisted surgery (CAS) and patient specific instrumentation for total ankle replacement (TAR), but no studies regarding instrumented ankle prostheses capable of obtaining stress distribution data or related works using sensing technology for improving patient specific instrumentation exist. In this paper, finite element simulations of a thin film piezo electric sensor for obtaining the pressure map of the contact surface are presented. The pressure map would provide potential benefits for component alignment and enhance TAR final outcomes.