The implications of non-anatomical positioning of a meniscus prosthesis on predicted human knee joint biomechanics

Model Properties and Clinical Application in the Finite Element Analysis of Knee Joint: A Review

The knee is the most complex joint in the human body, including bony structures like the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, and soft tissues like menisci, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Complex anatomical structures of the knee joint make it difficult to conduct precise biomechanical research and explore the mechanism of movement and injury. The finite element model (FEM), as an important engineering analysis technique, has been widely used in many fields of bioengineering research. The FEM has advantages in the biomechanical analysis of objects with complex structures. Researchers can use this technology to construct a human knee joint model and perform biomechanical analysis on it. At the same time, finite element analysis can effectively evaluate variables such as stress, strain, displacement, and rotation, helping to predict injury mechanisms and optimize surgical techniques, which make up for the shortcomings of traditional biomechanics experimental research. However, few papers introduce what material properties should be selected for each anatomic structure of knee FEM to meet different research purposes. Based on previous finite element studies of the knee joint, this paper summarizes various modeling strategies and applications, serving as a reference for constructing knee joint models and research design.

Osteoarthritis year in review 2021: mechanics

Osteoarthritis (OA) has a complex, heterogeneous and only partly understood etiology. There is a definite role of joint cartilage pathomechanics in originating and progressing of the disease. Although it is still not identified precisely enough to design or select targeted treatments, the progress of this year's research demonstrates that this goal became much closer. On multiple scales - tissue, joint and whole body - an increasing number of studies were done, with impressive results. (1) Technology based instrument innovations, especially when combined with machine learning models, have broadened the applicability of biomechanics. (2) Combinations with imaging make biomechanics much more precise & personalized. (3) The combination of Musculoskeletal & Finite Element Models yield valid personalized cartilage loads. (4) Mechanical outcomes are becoming increasingly meaningful to inform and evaluate treatments, including predictive power from biomechanical models. Since most recent advancements in the field of biomechanics in OA are at the level of a proof op principle, future research should not only continue on this successful path of innovation, but also aim to develop clinical workflows that would facilitate including precision biomechanics in large scale studies. Eventually this will yield clinical tools for decision making and a rationale for new therapies in OA.