Keywords
finite element method
tibial fractures
biomechanical modeling
joint instability
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective. The study aims to analytically validate and develop an anatomically accurate three-dimensional model of the knee joint for biomechanical analysis of load distribution in various types of proximal tibial fractures, considering the impact of injury localization on the risk of post-traumatic instability.
Materials and Methods. The geometry of the knee joint was reconstructed from CT data using the SolidWorks software environment. Numerical analysis was performed in ANSYS (Static Structural) using the finite element method (FEM). The model included the femur and tibia, menisci, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, as well as medial and lateral collateral ligaments. Materials were assumed to be isotropic and linearly elastic. Three mesh variants were analyzed: 30,001; 501,090; and 1,006,936 elements. A load of 750 N was applied to the superior surface of the femur, while the tibia was fixed in a cantilever manner. Contacts were bonded. Mesh quality was assessed using Skewness and Orthogonal Quality metrics. FEM model verification was performed by comparison with analytical calculations based on the equivalent stiffness of a spring system.
Results. A FEM model accurately reproducing the biomechanics of the knee joint under conditions of segmental fractures was developed. The highest stress values were observed in cases involving the anterolateral and posterolateral segments (G and H), where maximum fragment displacement and peak loading on ligaments and menisci were recorded. The mesh with 501,090 elements was considered optimal for analysis, as it ensured high accuracy with moderate computational cost.
Conclusions. FEM modeling with consideration of fracture localization enables identification of critical load zones and prediction of instability at the stage of preoperative planning. The results may be integrated into clinical protocols to guide the choice of surgical strategy—from fixation to combined soft tissue reconstruction.
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