Finite element analysis on biomechanical properties of medial collateral ligament of elbow joint under different flexion angles

• Published in: Sheng wu yi xue gong cheng xue za zhi 2019-06, Vol.36 (3), p.401
• Main Authors: Pan, Kui, Wang, Fang, Zhang, Jianguo, Li, Mingxin, Shi, Peizhen, Cao, Zijun, Zhou, Jingsong
• Format: Article
• Language: Chinese
• Subjects: Angles (geometry); Biomechanical engineering; Biomechanical Phenomena; Biomechanics; Bundling; Cadaver; Cartilage; Cartilage (articular); Collateral Ligaments - physiology; Computed tomography; Computer simulation; Dimensional stability; Elbow; Elbow (anatomy); Elbow Joint - physiology; Finite Element Analysis; Finite element method; Forearm; Humans; Knee; Ligaments; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties; Range of Motion, Articular; Reverse engineering; Stability; Stress analysis; Stress concentration; Stress distribution; Three dimensional models; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 1001-5515
• DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.201709018

Three-dimensional finite element model of elbow was established to study the effect of medial collateral ligament (MCL) in maintaining the stability of elbow joint. In the present study a three-dimensional geometric model of elbow joint was established by reverse engineering method based on the computed tomography (CT) image of healthy human elbow. In the finite element pre-processing software, the ligament and articular cartilage were constructed according to the anatomical structure, and the materials and contacts properties were given to the model. In the neutral forearm rotation position and 0° flexion angle, by comparing the simulation data of the elbow joint with the experimental data, the validity of the model is verified. The stress value and stress distribution of medial collateral ligaments were calculated at the flexion angles of elbow position in 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, respectively. The result shows that when the elbow joint loaded at different flexion angles, the anterior