Three-dimensional finite element model for biomechanical analysis of stress in knee inversion and external rotation after posterior cruciate ligament rupture / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:The incidence of posterior cruciate ligament injury combined with other knee ligament injuries is relatively high, but studies on the internal dynamic stress change of these ligaments are stil rare. OBJECTIVE:To simulate three-dimensional finite element model of the normal human knee and the complete posterior cruciate ligament rupture (III injury), calculate and analyze the stress distribution and changes of the medial collateral ligament, the lateral collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament in the normal knee model and the complete posterior cruciate ligament rupture model. METHODS:We collected CT and MRI images of the healthy male right knee, and established three-dimensional finite element model of the normal human knee by using E-feature Biomedical Modeler, and ANSYS software. The simulation of a flexion moment at 0°, 30°, 60°, varus/valgus and internal/external rotation torque was applied on the established three-dimensional finite element model of the normal knee. The stress of posterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament and medial col ateral ligament was analyzed. During simulation of complete posterior cruciate ligament rupture, the stress of lateral coll ateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament and medial col ateral ligament was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Three-dimensional finite element biomechanical analysis data revealed that after posterior cruciate ligament rupture, the stress of lateral coll ateral ligament during inversion and external rotation of the knee joint obviously increased, but the stress of anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament slightly altered. These findings suggested that posterior cruciate ligament rupture may cause secondary injury to other ligaments of the knee joint, and further support the importance of the dynamic stability of the knee joint.