STRESSES AT THE MENISCOFEMORAL JOINT - ELASTOSTATIC INVESTIGATIONS ONTHE APPLICABILITY OF INTERFACE ELEMENTS

Stress distributions at the meniscofemoral joint were analysed and the applicability of nonlinear interface elements in a finite element mod el (FEM) were tested. Centred and 70% off-centre load cases with a com plete, a partially removed or a totally removed medial meniscus were e valuated in two dimensions. Interface width was assumed to increase li nearly from almost zero to 1 mm at the inner and outer border of the f emoral condyles. Maximum interface forces were found at the centre of the condyles, decreasing to zero al the peripherical and intercondylar femoral border. Simulation data concerning a removed medial meniscus or medial 70% off-centre load with complete meniscus indicated higher medial contact forces in the first case. A decrease in the elastic mod ulus of the articular surface tissues caused two small force transfer peaks (femoral centre and intercondylar border), which were strongly i nfluenced by the predefined gap width.