Abstract:
This study focuses on the development and validation of a computational biomechanics model for simulating articular cartilage wear in the human patellofemoral joint under in vitro conditions. Using a cadaveric knee specimen and a knee simulator machine, the study integrates laser scan and MRI-derived geometry with multibody dynamic modeling to predict mechanical wear patterns on both the femur and patella. A custom elastic foundation model was employed to compute contact pressures and simulate progressive and non-progressive cartilage wear across 375,000 gait cycles. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the influence of geometry source, material properties, and simulation approach on wear predictions. Results indicated that progressive simulation methods more accurately mirrored experimental data, particularly for the patella, and that MRI-derived geometry was sufficiently precise for such simulations. These findings reinforce the importance of biomechanics in predicting joint degeneration and highlight the potential of computational tools in understanding osteoarthritis progression and optimizing joint replacement strategies.
