A computational model of postoperative knee kinematics

A mathematical model for studying the passive kinematics of total knee pros theses can be useful in computer-aided planning and guidance of total joint replacement. If the insertion location and neutral length of knee ligament s is known, the passive kinematics of the knee can be calculated by minimiz ing the strain energy stored in the ligaments at any angular configuration of the knee. Insertions may be found intraoperatively, or may come from pre operative 3D medical images. The model considered here takes into considera tion the geometry of the prosthesis and patient-specific information. This model can be used to study the kinematics of the knee joint of a patient af ter total joint replacement. The model may be useful in preoperative planni ng, computer-aided intraoperative guidance, and the design of new prostheti c joints. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.