Population-based finite element modelling of the knee joint of patients suffering from osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common disorder with expected increasing incidence during the coming decades. In this project, we aim for the stratification of patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to pain, biomechanics and cartilage biology. Therefore, we collaborate with the rheumatology department of Hospital del Mar for the recruitment of knee osteoarthritis patients. These patients are subsequently taken to our motion capture lab for obtaining the patient-specific gait analysis. These loading conditions, together with other patient characteristics as body weight and knee geometry, will be used as an input for a patient-specific finite element model. The finite element models of all patients will be created using an automatic workflow including segmentation, mesh morphing and statistical shape modelling. As outcome measures, we will analyse the knee cartilage response in the knee. The creation and execution of the finite element models are part of this project.

 

Supervisors: Corine Post, Jérôme Noailly