[Musculoskeletal modeling of the patellofemoral joint. Dynamic analysis of patellar tracking]

Numerical simulations contribute to the understanding of patellofemoral diseases. Whereas cadaveric studies are limited with respect to reproducibility of results, the impact of different operative approaches can be systematically evaluated based on mathematical models. The objective of this study was to introduce a musculoskeletal model which is capable of describing the dynamic interactions within the patellofemoral joint. It contains major bony and soft tissue structures of the right leg including the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Two operative approaches were considered based on the model to illustrate the effect on patellofemoral biomechanics during active knee flexion: On the one hand the effect of femoral insertion during MPFL reconstruction on medial soft tissue tension, and on the other hand the difference in patella kinematics before and after total knee arthroplasty. Finally, the potential of musculoskeletal models is discussed.