Explicit finite element modeling of total knee replacement mechanics

Results from the deformable model showed that the patello-femoral and tibio-femoral kinematics were in good agreement with experimental knee simulator measurements. Kinematic results from the rigid body analyses were nearly identical to those from the fully deformable model, and the contact pressure and contact area correlation was acceptable given the great reduction in analysis time. Component mesh density studied had little effect on the predicted kinematics, particularly for the patellar component, and small effects on the predicted contact pressure and area. These analyses have shown that, at low computational cost, a force-control dynamic simulation of a gait cycle can yield useful and predictable results.