Novel Computer Modeling Approach for Total Knee Replacements
Open Access
- Author:
- Mannarino, Anthony Raymond
- Area of Honors:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Stephen Piazza, Thesis Supervisor
Daniel Humberto Cortes Correales, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Biomechanics
Computational Model
MATLAB
Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Knee Mechanics - Abstract:
- Computational models are effective tools in widespread use for studying knee mechanics. However, there is currently a need for fast and computationally efficient methods for rapidly evaluating how changes to the geometry of natural and artificial knees affect joint and muscle function. This thesis presents three planar equilibrium models of the human knee. The models were based on systems of nonlinear equations, which described the static equilibrium and geometry of the knee. The first model, the Natural Knee Model, was used to study the impact of Osgood-Schlatter disease on the knee extensor mechanism. The second model, the Hinged TKR Model, was used to study design considerations in a hinged knee implant. The third model, the Hinged TKR Model with Knee Simulator Input, was used to augment the Penn State Knee Simulator and predict measurements in a real-world mechanical simulation. These three analyses uncovered structure-function relationships in natural and artificial knees, demonstrating the utility of the models. Ultimately, the planar equilibrium modeling paradigm proved to be a computationally efficient method for studying knee mechanics.