Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (9): 2343-2349.doi: 10.12307/2025.191

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Characteristics and clinical application of ankle joint finite element models

Zhang Nan, Meng Qinghua, Bao Chunyu   

  1. New Campus of Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China

  • Received:2024-04-08 Accepted:2024-06-11 Online:2026-03-28 Published:2025-09-29
  • Contact: Meng Qinghua, MD, Professor, New Campus of Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China
  • About author:Zhang Nan, Master candidate, New Campus of Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The ankle joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, including bony structures such as fibula, tibia, and talus, as well as soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Finite element modeling, as an important engineering analysis technique, has been widely used in various fields of bioengineering research. However, there is little literature on what material properties should be selected for each anatomical structure of the ankle joint finite element model for different research purposes.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the ankle joint finite element model modeling methods, material properties, model validation, and clinical and rehabilitation applications based on previous finite element studies of the ankle joint.
METHODS: PubMed and CNKI were searched for articles published from 2000 to 2024. The English and Chinese search terms were “ankle joint, finite elements, material selection, ligament injury, osteoarthritis.” The 71 selected articles were summarized. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The ankle joint has a complex structure, and accurate anatomical structure and materials are the basis for establishing simulation models. (2) The finite element modeling of ankle joint is useful to gain a deeper understanding of the biomechanical properties of the ankle joint, to develop new implant materials, to predict ankle joint diseases, to improve surgical techniques, and to guide rehabilitation exercises. (3) Most of the previous studies did not consider the influence of body temperature and joint fluid on the model, which needs to be solved in the future. In addition, ankle joint, as an important weight-bearing joint of lower limbs, can also perform flexion, extension, and rotation activities. The finite element model of ankle joint to simulate complex movements will be the focus of future research. 


Key words: ankle, finite element, biomechanics, material selection, ligament injury, osteoarthritis

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