[Review of finite element model studies in knee joint biomechanics]

ABSTRACT

Human knee joints experience very large loads and motions during regular daily, occupational and sport activities. Consequently, they are at high risk of being exposed to injuries and degeneration. Osteoarthritis and ligament injuries often inflict knee joints causing considerable pain and loss of productivity involving thus significant human and economic costs. Hence, biomechanics of human knee joints has been the focus of many investigations with the primary aim to improve understanding of joint function in normal and perturbed conditions. The existing prevention and treatment programs have been based on such studies. Due to inherent costs, limitations, difficulties and ethical concerns associated with in vivo and in vitro cadaveric studies, finite element model studies have been developed as effective, powerful and complementary tools to investigate knee joint biomechanics subject to internal and external mechanical conditions affecting its normal function. The advantage of finite element method in study of joint biomechanics lies in its robustness to incorporate complex 3D joint geometry, intricate boundary and loading conditions and materials with nonhomogeneous and nonlinear properties. This article reviews important model studies, presents their relevant results and discusses some of the promising future directions