Finite Element Model of the Human Knee Joint to Study Tibio-Femoral Contact Mechanics

A finite element model of the tibio-femoral joint in the human knee was created using a new technique for developing accurate solid models of soft tissues (i.e. cartilage and menisci). The model was used to demonstrate that constraining rotational degrees of freedom other than flexion/extension when the joint is loaded in compression markedly affects the load distribution between the medial and lateral sides of the joint. The model also was used to validate the assumption that the bones can be treated as rigid.