scholarly journals Biomechanical characteristics of tibio-femoral joint after partial medial meniscectomy in different flexion angles: a finite element analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Zhang ◽  
Shuo Yuan ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
Bagen Liao ◽  
De Liang

Abstract Background Recent studies have pointed out that arthroscopy, the commonly-used surgical procedure for meniscal tears, may lead to an elevated risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The biomechanical factors of KOA can be clarified by the biomechanical analysis after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). This study aimed to elucidate the cartilage stress and meniscus displacement of the tibiofemoral joint under flexion and rotation loads after APM. Methods A detailed finite element model of the knee bone, cartilage, meniscus, and major ligaments was established by combining computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. Vertical load and front load were applied to simulate different knee buckling angles. At the same time, by simulating flexion of different degrees and internal and external rotations, the stresses on tibiofemoral articular cartilage and meniscus displacement were evaluated. Results Generally, the contact stress on both the femoral tibial articular cartilage and the meniscus increased with the increased flexion degree. Moreover, the maximum stress on the tibial plateau gradually moved backward. The maximum position shift value of the lateral meniscus was larger than that of the medial meniscus. Conclusion Our finite element model provides a realistic three-dimensional model to evaluate the influence of different joint range of motion and rotating tibiofemoral joint stress distribution. The decreased displacement of the medial meniscus may explain the higher pressure on the knee components. These characteristics of the medial tibiofemoral joint indicate the potential biomechanical risk of knee degeneration.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Zhang ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
Shuo Yuan ◽  
Bagen Liao ◽  
De Liang

Abstract Background : Arthroscopy is a commonly-used surgical procedure for meniscal tears. However, recent studies have pointed out that arthroscopy may lead to an elevated risk of knee osteoarthritis(KOA). The biomechanical analysis after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy(APM) is helpful to clarify the biomechanical factors of KOA. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate cartilage stress and meniscus displacement of the tibiofemoral joint under flexion and rotation loads after APM.Methods:A detailed finite element model of the knee bone, cartilage, meniscus, and major ligaments was established by combining computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. Vertical load and front load were applied to simulate different knee buckling angles. At the same time, by simulating flexion of different degrees and internal and external rotations, the stresses on tibiofemoral articular cartilage and meniscus displacement were evaluated.Results:Generally, the contact stress on both the femoral tibial articular cartilage and the meniscus increased with the increased flexion degree. Moreover, the maximum stress on the tibial plateau gradually moved backward. The maximum position shift value of the lateral meniscus was larger than that of the medial meniscus.Conclusion:Our finite element model provides a realistic three-dimensional model to evaluate the influence of different joint range of motion and rotating tibiofemoral joint stress distribution. The decreased displacement of the medial meniscus may explain the higher pressure on the knee components. These characteristics of the medial tibiofemoral joint indicate the potential biomechanical risk of knee degeneration.


2010 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan A. Netravali ◽  
Seungbum Koo ◽  
Nicholas J. Giori ◽  
Thomas P. Andriacchi

The menisci play an important role in load distribution, load bearing, joint stability, lubrication, and proprioception. Partial meniscectomy has been shown to result in changes in the kinematics and kinetics at the knee during gait that can lead to progressive meniscal degeneration. This study examined changes in the strains within the menisci associated with kinematic and kinetic changes during the gait cycle. The gait changes considered were a 5 deg shift toward external rotation of the tibia with respect to the femur and an increased medial-lateral load ratio representing an increased adduction moment. A finite element model of the knee was developed and tested using a cadaveric specimen. The cadaver was placed in positions representing heel-strike and midstance of the normal gait, and magnetic resonance images were taken. Comparisons of the model predictions to boundaries digitized from images acquired in the loaded states were within the errors produced by a 1 pixel shift of either meniscus. The finite element model predicted that an increased adduction moment caused increased strains of both the anterior and posterior horns of the medial meniscus. The lateral meniscus exhibited much lower strains and had minimal changes under the various loading conditions. The external tibial rotational change resulted in a 20% decrease in the strains in the posterior medial horn and increased strains in the anterior medial horn. The results of this study suggest that the shift toward external tibial rotation seen clinically after partial medial meniscectomy is not likely to cause subsequent degenerative medial meniscal damage, but the consequence of this kinematic shift on the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis following meniscectomy requires further consideration.


Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 502
Author(s):  
Pasquale Zellmann ◽  
Iris Ribitsch ◽  
Stephan Handschuh ◽  
Christian Peham

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (11) ◽  
pp. 030006052097207
Author(s):  
Jing Ding ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
Fangchun Jin ◽  
Zhen-kai Wu ◽  
Pin-quan Shen

Objective Tension band plating has recently gained widespread acceptance as a method of correcting angular limb deformities in skeletally immature patients. We examined the role of biomechanics in procedural failure and devised a new method of reducing the rate of implant failure. Methods In the biomechanical model, afterload (static or cyclic) was applied to each specimen. The residual stress of the screw combined with different screw sizes and configurations were measured and compared by X-ray diffraction. With regard to static load and similar conditions, the stress distribution was analyzed according to a three-dimensional finite element model. Results The residual stress was close to zero in the static tension group, whereas it was very high in the cyclic load group. The residual stress of screws was significantly lower in the convergent group and parallel group than in the divergent group. The finite element model showed similar results. Conclusions In both the finite element analysis and biomechanical tests, the maximum stress of the screw was concentrated at the position where the screws enter the cortex. Cyclic loading is the primary cause of implant failure.


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