Orthopaedic Research Laboratories

Paul D Postak

Majid Rashidi

A Seth Greenwald

Alon Katz

A testing apparatus for exposing an associated specimen(s) to motions along multiple axes is provided. The testing apparatus includes a test chamber and first, second, third, and fourth devices that impose different kinematic motions or forces on the specimen. A drive mechanism is connected to the first, second, third, and fourth devices so that motion from a single axis is conveyed by the first, second, third and fourth devices to deliver the desired kinematic motions and/or forces to the test chamber(s). At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth devices includes an adjustment mechanism to modify at least one of the devices.

Adjustable testing apparatus for an orthopaedic specimen such as a knee implant prosthesis

A testing apparatus is provided for exposing an associated specimen to movement along multiple axes. A test chamber is dimensioned to receive the associated specimen. A first device is operatively connected to the test chamber to impose a first, rotational movement on the associated specimen, a second device is operatively connected to the test chamber to impose a second, rotational movement different than the first movement on the associated specimen, a third device is operatively connected to the test chamber to impose a generally planar movement or linear translation on the associated specimen, and a fourth device is operatively connected to the test chamber to impose a load force on the associated specimen. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to the first, second, third, and fourth devices so that the movements and forces imposed by respective ones of the devices are commonly driven by the drive mechanism.

Testing apparatus for an orthopaedic specimen such as a knee implant prosthesis

A single drive shaft simulator and method is disclosed that allows up to four independent actions to be imposed on a test specimen such as an artificial joint specimen. These motions about mutually orthogonal axes are provided, and a constant compressive force and/or dynamic force may also be applied. The mechanical simulator is simple, accurate, and robust. The simulator assures synchronous movement where amplitude and profiles of the motion can be independently adjusted.

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University Heights, OH, United States of America

Paul D Postak