Recent Advances in Computational Mechanics of the Human Knee Joint

Abstract

Computational mechanics has been advanced in every area of orthopedic biomechanics. The objective of this paper is to provide a general review of the computational models used in the analysis of the mechanical function of the knee joint in different loading and pathological conditions. Major review articles published in related areas are summarized first. The constitutive models for soft tissues of the knee are briefly discussed to facilitate understanding the joint modeling. A detailed review of the tibiofemoral joint models is presented thereafter. The geometry reconstruction procedures as well as some critical issues in finite element modeling are also discussed. Computational modeling can be a reliable and effective method for the study of mechanical behavior of the knee joint, if the model is constructed correctly. Single-phase material models have been used to predict the instantaneous load response for the healthy knees and repaired joints, such as total and partial meniscectomies, ACL and PCL reconstructions, and joint replacements. Recently, poromechanical models accounting for fluid pressurization in soft tissues have been proposed to study the viscoelastic response of the healthy and impaired knee joints. While the constitutive modeling has been considerably advanced at the tissue level, many challenges still exist in applying a good material model to three-dimensional joint simulations. A complete model validation at the joint level seems impossible presently, because only simple data can be obtained experimentally. Therefore, model validation may be concentrated on the constitutive laws using multiple mechanical tests of the tissues. Extensive model verifications at the joint level are still crucial for the accuracy of the modeling.

Comparison of different material models of articular cartilage in 3D computational modeling of the knee: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI)

“…Finite element (FE) modeling could help identify changes in tissue-level mechanical stresses and strains and describe how these parameters might relate to potential joint and cartilage pathologies (Kazemi et al, 2013). The accuracy of the FE model can be validated by how precisely it can simulate the reality and it can depend on multiple variables such as the geometry of the articulating surfaces, material models and properties, joint loads, and boundary conditions (Besier et al, 2005).…”

The influence of muscle-tendon forces on ACL loading during jump landing: a systematic review

“…In particular, Kazemi et al 6 provided a general review of computational models to analyse the mechanical function of the knee joint during different loading conditions; Pappas et al 7 summarised available techniques to measure ligament strain and forces in vivo with an emphasis on their advantages, limitations, and clinical relevance; and Bates et al 4 provided a summary of the literature on the biomechanical evidence regarding ACL loading during physiological or clinical tasks from in vitro cadaveric simulations. The latter group further conducted a meta-analysis of the reported ACL forces during passive knee flexion, in which a strong correlation was found between anterior-tibial translation and ACL ligament forces during passive knee flexion 4 .…”

A comparison between dynamic implicit and explicit finite element simulations of the native knee joint

“…The finite element (FE) method has been widely used to investigate knee biomechanics [1] . The general trend over the last decades is to develop more realistic, reliable, accurate, and computationally effective models.…”