A computational method to identify locations susceptible to osteoarthritis in patients with acl reconstruction

Finite element modeling can be used to evaluate the effects of altered loading conditions on the knee joint stresses, and thus to predict possible failure locations. The aim was to generate finite element models of ACL reconstructed patients (n = 5) with relatively simple soft tissue materials to identify areas susceptible to post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis based on excessive stresses of cartilage. The models predicted the areas susceptible to osteoarthritis to be located primarily on the lateral joint compartment. This was consistent with preliminary follow-up information of the same patients. The presented methodology would be particularly useful in assesing the effect of surgical intervention.