Total joint arthroplasty. The role of biomechanics

The role of biomechanics is intricately involved in total joint replacement from its inception to its clinical use. By integrating knowledge of joint function and material properties, the artificial joint is designed and tested. After clinical use, the joint function is again studied and failure modes are defined. Biomechanics is the single most important discipline that can be employed to study the cause of failure in order to improve design and technique. This will increase the reliability of, and decrease the incidence of failure associated with, total joint replacement.