Session: 02-08-01: Advances in Human Modelling

Paper Number: 145299

145299 - The Effect of Meniscal Tears on Knee Biomechanics: A Finite Element Analysis Investigation 

In the knee joint, menisci play several functions, including load transmission and stability. However, meniscal tears are the most prevalent pathology in the knee, affecting 66 individuals for every 100,000 each year, generally concurrently with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Meniscal tears left untreated have been demonstrated to negatively impact the function and biomechanics of the knee. The effects of these tears vary depending on their anatomical appearance and location. Several methods can be used to study meniscal injuries, including human cadavers, animals, or computational models, such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Based on the FEA technique, previous studies have examined the effects of artificially recreated meniscal tears starting from the healthy menisci.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of meniscal injury on knee biomechanics, by means of FEA, starting with real meniscal tears. They are selected based on their location (posterior, midbody, or anterior) as well as their type (radial, longitudinal, or horizontal).

Magnetic resonance (MR) images of patients with ACL injuries are acquired using an ad-hoc protocol with a slice thickness of 0.55 mm, which allows more details to be captured in such a small structure. Patients are classified according the location and type of their meniscal injuries. Through the segmentation process, 3D models of femurs and tibias, cartilages and menisci are reconstructed. A FEA is then conducted to investigate the effect of the lesions on stress and meniscal extrusion.

The results of this study confirm that not all meniscal tears are identical in their effects on knee joint biomechanics. Radial tears are more detrimental than longitudinal and horizontal tears, since they disrupt circumferential fibers, compromising the transmission of load. Posterior locations are more problematic, since the posterior roots, especially in the lateral compartment, play an important role in stabilizing the joint.

This study has important clinical implications for the management and treatment of meniscal tears. Understanding the biomechanical consequences of meniscal tears can facilitate the development of effective rehabilitation programs.

Presenting Author: Daniele Regazzoni University of Bergamo

Presenting Author Biography: He is full professor at the University of Bergamo since September 2021, SSD ING-IND/15, Design and methods for industrial engineering and holds several positions, among which:

- Vice President and Member of the Board of the Degree Courses in Engineering Technologies for Health of the English master's degree program in Engineering Management for Health (2018-today).
- Member of the academic board of the PhD program in Technology, Innovation and Management (TIM), University of Bergamo held together with the Federico II University of Naples (2017-today)
- Coordinator the research activities of a type B researcher, 3 PhD students, research fellows and about 20 undergraduate and graduate students per year.
- Senior Consultant of the Chamber of Commerce of Bergamo, Patents and Trademarks office (2009-today).
- Member of the Council of the Association DIH - Digital Innovation Hub Bergamo (DIH Lombardia, Antenna Bergamo) (2021, 3 years mandate).
- Representative for the University of Bergamo of the Initiative: “Servizi sanitari e transizione ecologica: un’alleanza tra le istituzioni” held by the Omceo Bergamo, Asst Papa Giovanni XXIII, Asst Bergamo Est, Asst Bergamo Ovest, Ats Bergamo, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri and Comune di Bergamo.

Member of the Editorial and Scientific Board:
- International Journal of the Digital Human (Inderscience).
- Sensors (MDPI).
- Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation (IFHFMS)

Member of Reviewers Committee for scientific journals:
- International Journal of the Digital Human (IJDH)
- International Journal of Product Development (IJPD)
- ASME Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering (JCISE)

Authors:

Anna Ghidotti University of Bergamo
Michela Penzo University of Bergamo
Daniele Landi University of Bergamo
Daniele Regazzoni University of Bergamo
Caterina Rizzi University of Bergamo