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Yao J, Crockett J, D'Souza M, A Day G, K Wilcox R, C Jones A, Mengoni M. Effect of meniscus modelling assumptions in a static tibiofemoral finite element model: importance of geometry over material. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:1055-1065. [PMID: 38349433 PMCID: PMC11101373 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-024-01822-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Finite element studies of the tibiofemoral joint have increased use in research, with attention often placed on the material models. Few studies assess the effect of meniscus modelling assumptions in image-based models on contact mechanics outcomes. This work aimed to assess the effect of modelling assumptions of the meniscus on knee contact mechanics and meniscus kinematics. A sensitivity analysis was performed using three specimen-specific tibiofemoral models and one generic knee model. The assumptions in representing the meniscus attachment on the tibia (shape of the roots and position of the attachment), the material properties of the meniscus, the shape of the meniscus and the alignment of the joint were evaluated, creating 40 model instances. The values of material parameters for the meniscus and the position of the root attachment had a small influence on the total contact area but not on the meniscus displacement or the force balance between condyles. Using 3D shapes to represent the roots instead of springs had a large influence in meniscus displacement but not in knee contact area. Changes in meniscus shape and in knee alignment had a significantly larger influence on all outcomes of interest, with differences two to six times larger than those due to material properties. The sensitivity study demonstrated the importance of meniscus shape and knee alignment on meniscus kinematics and knee contact mechanics, both being more important than the material properties or the position of the roots. It also showed that differences between knees were large, suggesting that clinical interpretations of modelling studies using single geometries should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Yao
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - John Crockett
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Mathias D'Souza
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Gavin A Day
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ruth K Wilcox
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Alison C Jones
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Marlène Mengoni
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Pivot shift and Lachman test simulation-based exploration in juvenile populations for accurately predicting anterior tibial translation. J Biomech 2022; 136:111069. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Shu L, Sato T, Hua X, Sugita N. Comparison of Kinematics and Contact Mechanics in Normal Knee and Total Knee Replacements: A Computational Investigation. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:2491-2502. [PMID: 34142278 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-021-02812-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
An objective of total knee replacement (TKR) is to restore the mechanical function of a normal knee. Joint kinematics and contact mechanics performance are two of the primary indices that indicate the success of TKR devices. The aim of this study was to compare the kinematics and contact mechanics of TKR and normal knee joints. An experimentally evaluated finite-element (FE) knee model was developed and used to investigate the performance of four TKR designs (fixed cruciate-retaining (CR), mobile CR, posterior-stabilized (PS), medial pivot design (MP)) and the normal knee joint during a gait cycle. The predicted kinematic results showed that the MP design presented similar kinematics to those of the normal knee joint and did not demonstrate paradoxical motion of the femur. A considerably larger contact area and lower contact pressure were found on the normal knee joint (1315 mm2, and 14.8 MPa, respectively) than on the TKRs, which was consistent with the previous in-vivo fluoroscopic investigation. The mobile CR and PS designs exhibited the smallest and greatest contact pressures of the four TKR designs, respectively. The results of the present study help to understand the kinematics and contact mechanics in the TKR during the gait cycle, and provide comprehensive information about the performance of the normal knee joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Shu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | | | - Xijin Hua
- Department of Engineering, Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Naohiko Sugita
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
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Zellmann P, Ribitsch I, Handschuh S, Peham C. Finite Element Modelling Simulated Meniscus Translocation and Deformation during Locomotion of the Equine Stifle. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9080502. [PMID: 31370196 PMCID: PMC6720206 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Meniscal tears are one of the most common soft tissue injuries in the equine stifle joint. To date no optimal treatment strategy to heal meniscal tissue is available. Accordingly, there is a need to improve treatment for meniscal injuries and thus to identify appropriate translational animal models. A possible alternative to animal experimentation is the use of finite element modelling (FEMg). FEMg allows simulation of time dependent changes in tissues resulting from biomechanical strains. We developed a finite element model (FEM) of the equine stifle joint to identify pressure peaks and simulate translocation and deformation of the menisci at different joint angles under loading conditions. The FEM model was tested across a range of motion of approximately 30°. Pressure load was higher overall in the lateral meniscus than in the medial meniscus. Accordingly, the simulation showed higher translocation and deformation throughout the whole range of motion in the lateral compared to the medial meniscus. The results encourage further refinement of this FEM model for studying loading patterns on menisci and articular cartilages as well as the resulting mechanical stress in the subchondral bone. A functional FEM model can not only help identify segments in the femoro–tibial joint which are predisposed to injury, but also provide better understanding of the progression of certain stifle disorders, simulate treatment/surgery effects and to optimize implant/transplant properties in order to most closely resemble natural tissue. Abstract We developed a finite element model (FEM) of the equine stifle joint to identify pressure peaks and simulate translocation and deformation of the menisci. A series of sectional magnetic resonance images (1.5 T) of the stifle joint of a 23 year old Shetland pony gelding served as basis for image segmentation. Based on the 3D polygon models of femur, tibia, articular cartilages, menisci, collateral ligaments and the meniscotibial ligaments, an FEM model was generated. Tissue material properties were assigned based on data from human (Open knee(s) project) and bovine femoro-tibial joint available in the literature. The FEM model was tested across a range of motion of approximately 30°. Pressure load was overall higher in the lateral meniscus than in the medial. Accordingly, the simulation showed higher translocation and deformation in the lateral compared to the medial meniscus. The results encourage further refinement of this model for studying loading patterns on menisci and articular cartilages as well as the resulting mechanical stress in the subchondral bone (femur and tibia). A functional FEM model can not only help identify segments in the stifle which are predisposed to injury, but also to better understand the progression of certain stifle disorders, simulate treatment/surgery effects and to optimize implant/transplant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Zellmann
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Iris Ribitsch
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Stephan Handschuh
- VetCore Facility for Research, Imaging Unit, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Peham
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
The principal goal of the FEBio project is to provide an advanced finite element tool for the biomechanics and biophysics communities that allows researchers to model mechanics, transport, and electrokinetic phenomena for biological systems accurately and efficiently. In addition, because FEBio is geared toward the research community, the code is designed such that new features can be added easily, thus making it an ideal tool for testing novel computational methods. Finally, because the success of a code is determined by its user base, integral goals of the FEBio project have been to offer support and outreach to our community; to provide mechanisms for dissemination of results, models, and data; and to encourage interaction between users. This review presents the history of the FEBio project, from its initial developments through its current funding period. We also present a glimpse into the future of FEBio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve A Maas
- Department of Bioengineering and Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112;
| | - Gerard A Ateshian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027
| | - Jeffrey A Weiss
- Department of Bioengineering and Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112; .,Department of Orthopedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
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Łuczkiewicz P, Daszkiewicz K, Chróścielewski J, Witkowski W, Winklewski PJ. The Influence of Articular Cartilage Thickness Reduction on Meniscus Biomechanics. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167733. [PMID: 27936066 PMCID: PMC5147969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluation of the biomechanical interaction between meniscus and cartilage in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. METHODS The finite element method was used to simulate knee joint contact mechanics. Three knee models were created on the basis of knee geometry from the Open Knee project. We reduced the thickness of medial cartilages in the intact knee model by approximately 50% to obtain a medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) model. Two variants of medial knee OA model with congruent and incongruent contact surfaces were analysed to investigate the influence of congruency. A nonlinear static analysis for one compressive load case was performed. The focus of the study was the influence of cartilage degeneration on meniscal extrusion and the values of the contact forces and contact areas. RESULTS In the model with incongruent contact surfaces, we observed maximal compressive stress on the tibial plateau. In this model, the value of medial meniscus external shift was 95.3% greater, while the contact area between the tibial cartilage and medial meniscus was 50% lower than in the congruent contact surfaces model. After the non-uniform reduction of cartilage thickness, the medial meniscus carried only 48.4% of load in the medial compartment in comparison to 71.2% in the healthy knee model. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that the change in articular cartilage geometry may significantly reduce the role of meniscus in load transmission and the contact area between the meniscus and cartilage. Additionally, medial knee OA may increase the risk of meniscal extrusion in the medial compartment of the knee joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Łuczkiewicz
- II Clinic of Orthopaedics and Kinetic Organ Traumatology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Karol Daszkiewicz
- Department of Mechanics of Materials, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Chróścielewski
- Department of Mechanics of Materials, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wojciech Witkowski
- Department of Mechanics of Materials, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Pawel J. Winklewski
- Institute of Human Physiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Institute of Health Sciences, Pomeranian University of Słupsk, Słupsk, Poland
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Maas SA, Erdemir A, Halloran JP, Weiss JA. A general framework for application of prestrain to computational models of biological materials. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2016; 61:499-510. [PMID: 27131609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
It is often important to include prestress in computational models of biological tissues. The prestress can represent residual stresses (stresses that exist after the tissue is excised from the body) or in situ stresses (stresses that exist in vivo, in the absence of loading). A prestressed reference configuration may also be needed when modeling the reference geometry of biological tissues in vivo. This research developed a general framework for representing prestress in finite element models of biological materials. It is assumed that the material is elastic, allowing the prestress to be represented via a prestrain. For prestrain fields that are not compatible with the reference geometry, the computational framework provides an iterative algorithm for updating the prestrain until equilibrium is satisfied. The iterative framework allows for enforcement of two different constraints: elimination of distortion in order to address the incompatibility issue, and enforcing a specified in situ fiber strain field while allowing for distortion. The framework was implemented as a plugin in FEBio (www.febio.org), making it easy to maintain the software and to extend the framework if needed. Several examples illustrate the application and effectiveness of the approach, including the application of in situ strains to ligaments in the Open Knee model (simtk.org/home/openknee). A novel method for recovering the stress-free configuration from the prestrain deformation gradient is also presented. This general purpose theoretical and computational framework for applying prestrain will allow analysts to overcome the challenges in modeling this important aspect of biological tissue mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve A Maas
- Department of Bioengineering, and Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ahmet Erdemir
- Computational Biomodeling (CoBi) Core and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, USA
| | - Jason P Halloran
- Mechanical Department Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Weiss
- Department of Bioengineering, and Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Smith CR, Lenhart RL, Kaiser J, Vignos M, Thelen DG. Influence of Ligament Properties on Tibiofemoral Mechanics in Walking. J Knee Surg 2016; 29:99-106. [PMID: 26408997 PMCID: PMC4755512 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1558858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Computational knee models provide a powerful platform to investigate the effects of injury and surgery on functional knee behavior. The objective of this study was to use a multibody knee model to investigate the influence of ligament properties on tibiofemoral kinematics and cartilage contact pressures in the stance phase of walking. The knee model included 14 ligament bundles and articular cartilage contact acting across the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints. The knee was incorporated into a lower extremity musculoskeletal model and was used to simulate knee mechanics during the stance phase of normal walking. A Monte Carlo approach was employed to assess the influence of ligament stiffness and reference strain on knee mechanics. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and posterior capsule properties exhibited significant influence on anterior tibial translation at heel strike, with the ACL acting as the primary restraint to anterior translation in mid-stance. The MCL and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) exhibited the greatest influence on tibial rotation from heel strike through mid-stance. Simulated tibial plateau contact location was dependent on the ACL, MCL, and LCL properties, while pressure magnitudes were most dependent on the ACL. A decrease in ACL stiffness or reference strain significantly increased the average contact pressure in mid-stance, with the pressure migrating posteriorly on the medial tibial plateau. These ligament-dependent shifts in tibiofemoral cartilage contact during walking are potentially relevant to consider when investigating the causes of early-onset osteoarthritis following knee ligament injury and surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin R. Smith
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Rachel L. Lenhart
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Jarred Kaiser
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Mike Vignos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Darryl G. Thelen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI,Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI,Address Correspondence to: Darryl G. Thelen, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, Phone: 608-262-1902, Fax: 608-265-2316,
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