Simulating Knee-Stress Distribution Using a Computed Tomography-Based Finite Element Model: A Case Study

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

article

Kunihiro Watanabe¹  Hirotaka Mutsuzaki²  Takashi Fukaya⁴  Toshiyuki Aoyama⁵  Syuichi Nakajima⁶  Norio Sekine⁷  Koichi Mori⁶ 

[1]Department of Radiology, Shin-Oyama City Hospital

[2]Center for Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences

[3]Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences Hospital

[4]Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University

[5]Department of Physical Therapy, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences

[6]Department of Radiological Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences

[7]Department of Radiological Sciences, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University

关键词: osteoarthritis;    computed tomography-based finite element method;    gait analysis;   

DOI  :  10.3390/jfmk8010015

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of progression involved in knee osteoarthritis (OA). We used the computed tomography-based finite element method (CT-FEM) of quantitative X-ray CT imaging to calculate and create a model of the load response phase, wherein the greatest burden is placed on the knee joint while walking. Weight gain was simulated by asking a male individual with a normal gait to carry sandbags on both shoulders. We developed a CT-FEM model that incorporated walking characteristics of individuals. Upon simulating changes owing to a weight gain of approximately 20%, the equivalent stress increased extensively in both medial and lower leg aspects of the femur and increased medio-posteriorly by approximately 230%. As the varus angle increased, stress on the surface of the femoral cartilage did not change significantly. However, the equivalent stress on the surface of the subchondral femur was distributed over a wider area, increasing by approximately 170% in the medio-posterior direction. The range of equivalent stress affecting the lower-leg end of the knee joint widened, and stress on the posterior medial side also increased significantly. It was reconfirmed that weight gain and varus enhancement increase knee-joint stress and cause the progression of OA.

【 授权许可】

CC BY