In vitro simulation of knee joint mechanics for the validation of biomechanical models

Mathematical models that predict such variables as joint contact knee force and stress, muscle force, ligament force and joint kinematics are vital tools in biomechanical analysis. One applications of biomechanical models is in preoperative planning. However, a major drawback of models is that the accuracy of their predictions has seldom been confirmed. For this reason, a knee simulator has been developed to approximate, on a cadaver specimen, the in vivo mechanical loading at the knee. The simulator applies dynamic quadriceps, hamstring and hip contact loads to a cadaver knee specimen through the range of flexion of the knee. The simulator is based on the loading frame of a materials testing machine. The application of the simulator for the validation of knee biomechanical models is discussed.