Subject-specific knee ligaments modeling approaches in finite element analysis: 1D and 3D

Abstract

Knee ligaments are among the most complicated structures and have a large effect on knee biomechanics. There are different approaches to model the knee ligaments in FE models. In the knee joint, ligaments have been commonly modelled as 1D spring elements; moreover, some studies modelled the ligaments as 3D constitutive elements [2]. Using springs reduces computational costs compared to constitutive models of the ligaments. In turn, constitutive models closer approximate the anatomy, and facilitate the prediction of local quantities and interactions with surrounding tissues, such as wrapping [1]. To the best of our knowledge, there is no direct/practical comparison study between two FE ligament modelling approaches. The aim of this study is to develop and compare two separate subject-specific finite element knee models in terms of ligament modelling approaches, based on cadaveric validation experiments