Validation of a Finite Element Simulation for Predicting Individual Knee Joint Kinematics

• Published in: IEEE open journal of engineering in medicine and biology Vol. 5; pp. 125 - 132
• Main Authors: Theilen, Elin, Rorich, Anna, Lange, Thomas, Bendak, Sebastian, Huber, Cora, Schmal, Hagen, Izadpanah, Kaywan, Georgii, Joachim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States IEEE 01.01.2024; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Accuracy; Bones; Decision making; Finite element analysis; Finite element knee joint model; Finite element method; joint motion prediction; Joints; Joints (anatomy); Kinematics; Knee; Ligaments; Magnetic resonance imaging; Mathematical models; model validation; pneumatic loading device; Predictive models; Simulation; subject-specific kinematics; Three dimensional models; pneumatic loading device; model validation; subject-specific kinematics; joint motion prediction; Finite element knee joint model
• ISSN: 2644-1276; 2644-1276
• DOI: 10.1109/OJEMB.2023.3258362

Goal: We introduce an in-vivo validated finite element (FE) simulation approach for predicting individual knee joint kinematics. Our vision is to improve clinicians' understanding of the complex individual anatomy and potential pathologies to improve treatment and restore physiological joint kinematics. Methods: Our 3D FE modeling approach for individual human knee joints is based on segmentation of anatomical structures extracted from routine static magnetic resonance (MR) images. We validate the predictive abilities of our model using static MR images of the knees of eleven healthy volunteers in dedicated knee poses, which are achieved using a customized MR-compatible pneumatic loading device. Results: Our FE simulations reach an average translational accuracy of 2 mm and an average angular accuracy of 1<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">^\circ</tex-math></inline-formula> compared to the reference knee pose. Conclusions: Reaching high accuracy, our individual FE model can be used in the decision-making process to restore knee joint stability and functionality after various knee injuries.