title: Construction of finite element model and stress analysis of anterior cruciate ligament tibial insertion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to develop a more realistic finite element (FE) model of the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial insertion and to analyze the stress distribution in the ACL internal fibers under load.
  
  
  METHODS
  The ACL tibial insertions were processed histologically. With Photoshop software, digital images taken from the histological slides were collaged, contour lines were drawn, and different gray values were filled based on the structure. The data were exported to Amira software and saved as ".hmascii" file. This document was imported into HyperMesh software. The solid mesh model generated using HyperMesh software was imported into Abaqus software. The material properties were introduced, boundary conditions were set, and load was added to carry out the FE analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The stress distribution of the ACL internal fibers was uneven. The lowest stress could be observed in the ACL lateral fibers under tensile and shear load.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The establishment of ACL tibial insertion FE model and mechanical analysis could reveal the stress distribution in the ACL internal fibers under load. There was greater load carrying capacity in the ACL lateral fibers which could sustain greater tensile and shear forces.
authors.affiliation: Can Dai, MM. Center for Joint Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
authors.forename: Can
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.affiliation: Liu Yang, MD. Center for Joint Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
authors.forename: Liu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Lin Guo, MD. Center for Joint Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Fuyou Wang, MD. Center for Joint Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
authors.forename: Fuyou
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Jingyue Gou, MB. Department of orthopedics, Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, 400014, China.
authors.forename: Jingyue
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gou
authors.affiliation: Zhilong Deng, MD. Department of orthopedics, Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, 400014, China.
authors.forename: Zhilong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Deng
keywords: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Finite element; Insertion; Stress