Numerical simulation and experimental testing of topologically optimized PLA cervical implants made by additive manufacturing methodics

Abstract

The article focuses on compressive axial loading experimental testing and simulations of topologically optimized design and additively manufactured cervical implants. The proposed platform design is based on anatomical and biomechanical requirements for application in the cervical area. Thanks to new ways of production, such as additive manufacturing, and new software possibilities in the field of structural analysis, which use the finite element method and analysis, it is possible to execute topological optimization of an implant in construction solution, which would be impossible to make by conventional methods. The contribution of this work lies in investigation of 3D printed PLA cervical implant usage in surgical intervention and creation of a numerical static loading modelling methodics and subsequent experimental confirmation of the modelling correctness.