Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Finite element analysis has been frequently used for knee joint biomechanics at abroad. However, there are domestic three-dimensional finite element analyses in China, and the model is simple and rough. There is no report about three-dimensional finite element model of intact knee joint including meniscus, articular cartilage and ligaments.
OBJECTIVE: To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of intact knee joint. 
METHODS: SCT scanning data of normal knee joint were used to establish intact three-dimensional finite model of knee joint using Mimics, 3ds Max and ANSYS software. Biomechanics of the knee joint model was analyzed to verify the validity of the model.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: An intact three-dimensional finite element model of knee joint was established successfully, and the model provides a precise anatomic morphology of the knee joint. The finite element analysis of the model demonstrated that the forward loading mainly distributed at the anterior cruciate ligament, medial mesooecium bear larger axial loading than lateral mesooecium; the tibiofibula shifted forward for 4.9 mm. Results primarily show that it is reliable and accurate to build three-dimensional finite element models with CT scan data, which is appropriate to establish the three-dimensional finite element model in orthopedics.