Development of An Accurate Three-dimensional Finite Element Knee Model

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a detailed articulating three-dimensional finite-element model of the human knee, derived from MRI scan images. The model utilises precise material models and many contact interfaces in order to produce a realistic kinematic response. The behaviour of the model was examined within two fields of biomechanical simulations: general life and car-crash. These simulations were performed with the non-linear explicit dynamic code PAM-SAFE trade mark. The knee model produced results that compared favourably with existing literature. Such a model (together with other joint models that could be constructed using the same techniques) would be a valuable tool for examining new designs of prosthesis and mechanisms of injury.

Influence of Meniscectomy and Meniscus Replacement on the Stress Distribution in Human Knee Joint

“…Thus, a key step towards a better understanding of the mechanics of human knee joint in health and disease is development of detailed three-dimensional computational models. Examples of such computational models are limited 9,11,23,38,39,45,[48][49][50] and applications in understanding the state of human health and disease are still at their infancy. Development of such computational models is also an inevitable step in studying the human knee mechanics under physiological loading conditions that occur during everyday activity.…”

Internal kinetic changes in the knee due to high tibial osteotomy are well-correlated with change in external adduction moment: An osteoarthritic knee model

“…Previous studies have used an inverse dynamics approach in two-dimensions (Collins and O'Connor, 1991) and three-dimensions (Shelburne et al, 2006;Kakihana et al, 2005;Glitsch et al, 1997) with an invivo kinematic and kinetic gait data from patient populations to estimate the internal kinetics of knee joint soft tissue structures. More complex finite element modeling has also been used to estimate stress distributions within the meniscus, cartilage and ligaments (Papaioannou et al, 2008;Yao et al, 2008;Donahue et al, 2002;Penrose et al, 2002;Li et al, 1999;Perie and Hobatho, 1998). But these models are difficult to validate.…”

“…Accurate modeling depends on representative geometry of the in-vivo knee. Anatomical geometries have been derived from cadaveric specimens (Morrison et al, 1969;Crowninshield and Brand, 1981) and medical imaging, such as MRI (Hashemi et al, 2008;Yao et al, 2008;Heller et al, 2008;Bei and Fregly, 2004;Penrose et al, 2002;Arnold et al, 2000;DeFrate et al, 2004;Li et al, 1999;Perie and Hobatho, 1998) or CT (Au et al, 2008). But applying subjectspecific knee models to a large patient cohort is unfeasible in a clinical setting.…”

Three-dimensional fibril-reinforced finite element model of articular cartilage

“…Three-dimensional geometrically accurate finite element joint contact models, such as for the knee, have been developed based on magnetic resonance or computed tomography imaging [8,28,29,37]. These finite element models have great potential for providing information on normal and pathological joint contact mechanics [13].…”