Analysis of Knee Joint Under Mechanical Load

Abstract

In the present report, a study of the effect of mechanical loads on the knee joint for osteoarthritis patients has been presented. Finite element analysis is performed on the knee joint for estimation of the effect of mechanical loads on the knee joint. Osteoarthritis (OA), called the wear and tear arthritis is commonly occurring arthritis wherein a gradual loss of cartilage from the joints are observed. This leads to the joint bones rubbing quite close against one another with less amount of shock-absorbing done by the cartilage causing pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased movability and bone spur formation can be observed. It is mostly observed in patients above 45 years old, but weight and gender are also some of the factors forcing a quick onset of the disease. Using finite element simulation software, static and fatigue analysis is done to determine the effect of various forces on the joint, which comes out to be, a maximum stress of 3.258E+00 MPa and a minimum stress of 2.200E-11. Also, a maximum element strain of 5.165E-02 and a minimum strain of 1.096E-15 is observed. For fatigue analysis, maximum damage of 4.398E-01 and minimum life of 2.274E+00 is observed. The model is safe for both static and fatigue analysis. But with age, these conditions get even more critical. Thus, a detailed description as to where stresses are highest thus helping us to take a preventive measure for the knee joint is needed.