title: Influence of meniscus shape in the cross sectional plane on the knee contact mechanics.
abstract: We present a three dimensional finite element analysis of stress distribution and menisci deformation in the human knee joint. The study is based on the Open Knee model with the geometry of the lateral meniscus which shows some degenerative disorders. The nonlinear analysis of the knee joint under compressive axial load is performed. We present results for intact knee, knee with complete radial posterior meniscus root tear and knee with total meniscectomy of medial or lateral meniscus. We investigate how the meniscus shape in the cross sectional plane influences knee-joint mechanics by comparing the results for flat (degenerated) lateral and normal medial meniscus. Specifically, the deformation of the menisci in the coronal plane and the corresponding stress values in cartilages are studied. By analysing contact resultant force acting on the menisci in axial plane we have shown that restricted extrusion of the torn lateral meniscus can be attributed to small slope of its cross section in the coronal plane. Additionally, the change of the contact area and the resultant force acting on the menisci as the function of compressive load are investigated.
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Gdańsk, II Clinic of Orthopaedics and Kinetic Organ Traumatology, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Łuczkiewicz
authors.affiliation: Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Structural Mechanics, Poland. Electronic address: kardaszk@pg.gda.pl.
authors.forename: Karol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Daszkiewicz
authors.affiliation: Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Structural Mechanics, Poland.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Witkowski
authors.affiliation: Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Structural Mechanics, Poland.
authors.forename: Jacek
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chróścielewski
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Gdańsk, II Clinic of Orthopaedics and Kinetic Organ Traumatology, Poland.
authors.forename: Witold
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zarzycki
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007717:Knee / Q000503:physiopathology; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008954:Models, Biological
keywords: Meniscal extrusion; Meniscus geometry; Open Knee model; Slope angle