Computer-aided planning of patellofemoral joint OA surgery: Developing physical models from patient MRI

Abstract

Generally, the surgical procedures employed in the treatment of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) aim, either explicitly or implicitly, to alter the biomechanics of the osteoarthritic joint (i. e., improve motion and load transmission characteristics). Because of the mechanical nature of some of these surgical objectives, they can be evaluated prior to and subsequent to surgery by using an appropriate patient-specific physical model of the patient's PFJ, derived from 3D MRI data. This study describes the process by which such patient-specific physical models can be created using standard clinical imaging modalities.