Abstract
In this study, we developed a finite element model considering the shape and mechanical properties of the cruciate ligament of the knee joint. The mechanical model of the ligament was identified by using MRI images of the knee joint set at flexion angles of 30, 60, and 90 deg. The three-dimensional surface geometries of the femur, tibia, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were segmented from the MRIs. The material properties of the ACL and PCL were obtained using the results from uniaxial tensile tests on actual ligament specimens. After inputting these conditions into a general-purpose finite element analysis software, we reproduced a drawer motion. When comparing the results obtained from this study to those of actual knee joint AP drawer tests, it was found that the attachment surface of the ligament and bone had a great influence on reproducing the bearing capacity. It was also found that precise identification of ligament anisotropy and attachment area is necessary to reproduce more accurate bearing capacity.
