For a total knee prosthesis that is posterior-stabilized, the FDA recommends you perform shear fatigue testing of the UHMWPe tibial post. Five test samples are recommended at various loads to develop an AF/N curve with at least one sample surviving 10 million cycles. Patellofemoral implants should undergo increasing lateral shear loading under a constant physiological compressive force until component dislocation.
Recommended Test Machine
Static and fatigue forces up to 50 kN (11,250 lbf)
Frequency ratings up to 75 Hz
Oil-free, all electric actuator for clean test conditions
Lower purchase, operating, and maintenance costs than hydraulic equivalents
