The finite element analysis of the effect of meniscectomy on human knee biomechanics by the accurate 3D model of knee joint

Researches had shown that the high levels of shear and compression stresses that appear in the articular cartilage after meniscectomy are partly responsible for cartilage pathologies, such as osteoarthrosis. In this study, we probe to determine the stress distribution of the medial and lateral meniscus and to choose the appropriate region of meniscectomy. Biomechanical 3D finite element model of the knee joint was generated from CT-scan images. Mimics modeled the bony structure of knee and Solidworks developed the medial and lateral meniscus. Under an axial femoral compressive load, the maximal contact stress in the articular cartilage after meniscectomy was about twice that of a healthy joint. The maximal contact pressures took place in the posterior region of the medial meniscus, with average values of 1.622 MPa and in the anterior horn of the lateral menisci with 1.159 MPa. Critical regions determine the allowed region of menisectomy for surgeon. Not only stress distribution doesn`t change by increasing of body weight or meniscectomy, but also the rate of stress increase after meniscectomy.