Insights from a computational model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common surgical procedure, particularly among athletes and especially those involved in sports requiring sudden changes in movement direction. This procedure aims to repair the ACL, a crucial ligament for stabilizing the knee joint. Th...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Results in Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S259012302502287X |
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| Summary: | Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common surgical procedure, particularly among athletes and especially those involved in sports requiring sudden changes in movement direction. This procedure aims to repair the ACL, a crucial ligament for stabilizing the knee joint. The present study aimed to develop a computational model to investigate the effect of biomechanical parameters associated with ACL reconstruction, primarily focusing on the loads sustained by the ACL. Materials and Methods: Based on a CT scan, a computational model of a left knee was developed, including hard tissues (femur, tibia and patella) and soft tissues (ligaments, cartilages and meniscus). A multibody model was designed and implemented to study ACL loads during 90° passive flexion, considering the knee ligaments as mechanical springs. The effects of pre-load, ligament footprint position, and ACL stiffness were analysed in relation to the maximum load sustained by the ACL fixation. Results: The results were validated using published data in computational and ex vivo results. The model developed exhibited similar biomechanical behaviour, with a maximum load approximately 5 % higher. A peak load of 208 N was observed at 30° of flexion with a pre-load of 128 N. The ligament footprint position was found to influence the maximum load by approximately 20 %. Conclusions: The validated model can be used to analyse additional biomechanical parameters related to ACL reconstruction. ACL stiffness is a key mechanical property affecting the maximum load sustained and is influenced by both pre-load and the ligament’s footprint position on the tibia. |
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| ISSN: | 2590-1230 |