[Analog reconstruction of posterolateral complex by the finite element]

To establish the three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the knee joint including posterolateral complex (PLC), and to simulate the reconstruction biomechanical analysis in this model.

The knee of a 26-year-old healthy man was scanned by MRI to obtain the image data of the knee in the coronal, sagittal, and axial position. First, Mimics10.01 and Hyperworks 8.0 softwares were used to extract each slice profile data of the knee joint in a two-dimensional image data respectively and to establish 3D geometric model of bone, meniscus, articular cartilage, and ligament. Second, Unigraphics software NX 4.0 was used to establish a 3D finite element model of knee joint, which had the functions of Mesh, material properties, component connection, and contact definition. Third, displacement measurement on the model and reconstructing biomechanical analysis for PLC simulation were performed.

The 3D finite element model of the knee joint including PLC was established successfully. Under 134 N forward force, the tibia forward displacement was 4.83 mm. PLC simulation reconstruction biomechanical analysis of the 3D finite element model of the knee joint showed that under 10 Nm varus and external rotation torque conditions, the knee varus and external rotation angles of simulation reconstruction were greater than those of the intact knee, and less than those of PLC missing.

The 3D finite element model of the knee joint including PLC can be established by the reverse engineering, and it is valid and can be used as the basis for the biomechanical properties to analog reconstruction of PLC.