title: Material models and properties in the finite element analysis of knee ligaments: a literature review.
abstract: Knee ligaments are elastic bands of soft tissue with a complex microstructure and biomechanics, which are critical to determine the kinematics as well as the stress bearing behavior of the knee joint. Their correct implementation in terms of material models and properties is therefore necessary in the development of finite element models of the knee, which has been performed for decades for the investigation of both its basic biomechanics and the development of replacement implants and repair strategies for degenerative and traumatic pathologies. Indeed, a wide range of element types and material models has been used to represent knee ligaments, ranging from elastic unidimensional elements to complex hyperelastic three-dimensional structures with anatomically realistic shapes. This paper systematically reviews literature studies, which described finite element models of the knee, and summarizes the approaches, which have been used to model the ligaments highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi , Milan , Italy.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galbusera
authors.affiliation: Center of Musculoskeletal Research Ulm (ZMFU), Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, Ulm University , Ulm , Germany.
authors.forename: Maren
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Freutel
authors.affiliation: Center of Musculoskeletal Research Ulm (ZMFU), Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, Ulm University , Ulm , Germany.
authors.forename: Lutz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dürselen
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano , Milan , Italy.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: D'Aiuto
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano , Milan , Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Croce
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi , Milan , Italy ; Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano , Milan , Italy.
authors.forename: Tomaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Villa
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi , Milan , Italy ; Department of Orthopaedic, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy.
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sansone
authors.affiliation: BEAMS Department (Bio Electro and Mechanical Systems), École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium.
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Innocenti
keywords: anisotropy; anterior cruciate ligament; finite element; knee ligaments; material models; non-linearity