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A Finite Element Study on Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

Koya, Bharath
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1386780806

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science in Engineering, University of Akron, Biomedical Engineering.
Patellar instability is a major problem among young individuals. Chronic patellar instability termed as patellar dislocation occurs mainly due to the reduction in the medial restraining forces for the patella, excessive Q-angle, patella alta and trochlear dysplasia. It causes a tear of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in the majority of instances. The MPFL is the main passive stabilizer preventing patellar instability and accounts for 50-60 % of the total restraining forces. Reconstruction of the torn MPFL is a surgical option performed in chronic cases to improve patellofemoral biomechanics and to provide better stability at the knee. Finite element analysis (FEA) makes it possible to simulate the surgical technique of reconstruction of the MPFL, observe the effects on the articular cartilage structures and determine the patellofemoral kinematics, which is not possible with in vivo imaging analysis. In the present study, subject specific computational (finite element) models were built in ABAQUS based on the 3D anatomical geometry of the patellofemoral joint from pre–op MRI scans. The femur and patella were modeled as rigid structures with quadrilateral elements. Patellofemoral articular cartilage was modeled as isotropic elastic structures with hexahedral elements. The quadriceps muscle group, patellar tendon and the MPFL graft were represented using linear tension-only springs. The quadriceps muscle force was calculated from the foot load that the patient was able to withstand at a particular flexion angle during the MRI scan. The MPFL reconstruction surgery was simulated by modeling the ligament with uniaxial connector elements and material properties representing the graft material. FE simulations with appropriate boundary and loading conditions showed that the lateral translation was restricted with a MPFL graft. Validation of these FE models was done by comparing the results with the kinematics obtained from an analysis based on MRI scans taken before and after the MPFL reconstruction surgery. FEA results matched the trends observed in the results of the experimental study, but they failed to replicate them quantitatively. In addition, the ratio of tension in the patellar tendon and quadriceps muscles and the tension in the MPFL graft elements was obtained from the simulations. The technique used in the present study can be improved by dealing with the limitations of the modeling like meshing of the structures and material properties. The FE models can be used to study the inter-subject differences, graft attachment points and graft tensioning to help with the ligament reconstruction procedures.
John Elias, Dr (Advisor)
Marnie Saunders, Dr (Advisor)
Mary Verstraete, Dr (Committee Member)
126 p.
Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Research; Engineering
MPFL, MPFL RECONSTRUCTION, SEMITENDINOSUS TENDON, PATELLA DISLOCATION, FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF PATELLOFEMORAL JOINT, PATELLAR KINEMATICS, PATELLAR SHIFT, PATELLAR TILT, Knee Biomechanics

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Koya, B. (2013). A Finite Element Study on Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1386780806

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Koya, Bharath. A Finite Element Study on Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction. 2013. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1386780806.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Koya, Bharath. "A Finite Element Study on Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1386780806

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.