3D finite element model of human knee injuries in the traffic accident.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the injury mechanism of the human knee in a traffic accident by establishing a 3D finite element (FE) model. METHODS: The FE model, composed of femur, tibia, fibula, patella, meniscus, knee ligaments and surrounding soft tissues, was reconstructed by CT scanning data from a male volunteer. Validation was performed by the lateral impact simulation, and the stress and strain results were obtained to be compared with those previously reported for injury prediction. RESULTS: The results derived from the FE model were found to be similar with those previously reported, most of the ligaments and meniscus wounded at 40 m/s collision, which was readily observed. CONCLUSION: The simulation results generated by FE model can be effectively used for the injury mechanism analysis of initial contact.