Restoration of biomechanical and biological conditions for the finger implant to properly assess the suitability of the implant

Abstract The aim of this work was to correlate biomechanical tests and simulations of implants dedicated to finger amputees. The implants were produced from Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) alloy and ceramic ZrO 2 -Al 2 O 3 (Alumina Toughened Zirconia 20, ATZ20). Research included finite element modeling, experimental simplified shear, tensile test, long-term cyclical tests of finger joint implant and their finite element models. Wear material collected during the experiment was evaluated for in vitro toxicity towards human fibroblast cells. Simulated fracture modes were verified by mechanical tests. During shear loading samples broke at ~ 55 N, whereas tensile break points were close to 110 N. Tested implant joints withstood one million cycle long-term test, however, partial wear of the anodized coating was noted. Wear debris from the joint was collected with a cellulose filter and analyzed for cytotoxic effects. Lactate dehydrogenase activity levels of cells incubated alongside collected wear material were only slightly higher than the control sample. Tested materials show promising potential for further research in terms of application.