Soft tissues’ loadings on healthy knee at different physiological flexions: A coupled experimental–numerical approach

Abstract

In this study, the movement of climbing a step is decomposed in 4 EOS images. A patient-dependent 3D model of the knee is then created from MRI, and several numerical simulations are carried out according to the experimental boundary conditions (force and flexion angle), so as to ensure the global knee mechanical equilibrium. To validate this patient-specific model, its bony structure is confronted with the EOS images once the mechanical equilibrium is reached. This model gave us an estimation of the stress in the ligaments for every flexion angle as well as a pressure map on the cartilages.