A computational model for the prediction of total knee replacement kinematics in the sagittal plane

A computational model has been developed using a current generation compute r-aided engineering (CAE) package to predict total knee replacement (TKR) k inematic in the sagittal plane. The model includes friction and soft tissue restraint varying according to the flexion angle. The model was validated by comparing the outcomes of anterior-posterior (A-P) laxity tests of two c ontemporary knee replacements against data obtained from a knee simulating machine. It was also validated against predictions from a computer model re ported in the literature. Results show good agreement in terms of A-P displ acements. Further tests were performed to determined the influence of the s oft tissue restraints varying with flexion angle. This work represents the first attempt to use a sophisticated commercial CAE package to predict TKR motions and the advantages of the modelling procedure chosen are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.