A Three-dimensional Finite Element Model Constructed Using Magnetic Resonance Images Of A Knee

More recently, studies using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have provided more clear visualization of the motion and deformation of the menisci within the tibio-femoral articulation and morphological information on the cartilage. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been widely used to evaluate the thickness and volume of articular cartilage both in vivo and in vitro. As a step towards developing a finite element model of the knee that can be used to study how the variables associated with Cartilage degeneration of osteoarthritis affect tibio-femoral contact, Computer-assisted tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were used to reconstruct the detailed geometry of in vivo human knee joint. These data were then merged with a mesh generation algorithm and material properties reported in the literature to develop a three dimensional non-linear finite element model of the knee joint.The model included the bone of the femur and tibia, cartilage of the femoral condyles and tibial plateau, both the medial and lateral menisci with their horn attachments. Cartilage was modeled as an elastic material, and the constitutive relation of the menisci treated the tissue as transversely isotropic and linearly elastic. Their horn attachments were represented as linear elastic springs, and ligaments were simulated by forces.Explicit dynamic nonlinear finite element techniques were discussed to simulate biomechanical features of tibio-femeral joint under different loads condition, considering the relative slide and friction existing in the knee. Under the application of an compressive load at 0 degrees of flexion, six contact variables in each compartment (i.e., medial and lateral) were computed including maximum pressure, mean pressure, contact area, total contact force, and coordinates of the center of pressure.The methodology developed in this study can be a valuable tool for further analysis of knee joint function and could helpful for orthopaedy and artificial knee joint design. The research finding of biomechanics of the human knee in vivo is not only as a reference to deeply understand the behavior of joints, protect joints consciously against injury, but also as a tool to identify the treatment of knee pathologies.