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Sensitivity Analysis of a Multi-Body Intact Knee Model

Vignos, Michael Francis
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1408536036

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.
Multi-body intact knee models are commonly used to investigate the biomechanical function of the knee joint. These models are simplified representations of the knee joint, with mathematical representations of the soft tissues found within the knee. Within these intact knee models, specific model parameters, such as the ligament stiffness and cartilage modulus, govern the force generating properties of the joint soft tissues. Previous approaches of obtaining these values from cadaveric tissue testing studies or from optimizing the values to match experimental motion have led to wide variations in the selected values for these parameters by previous researchers. With such a wide range of parameter values in these models that are being used for clinical investigations, it is necessary to understand how variations in these model parameters impact the simulation results. The purpose of this project was to investigate the sensitivity of an intact knee model to variations in modeling parameters for simulations of three different knee stability tests. Using previously collected CT images and cadaveric experimental data, I created a subject specific intact knee model and incorporated it into simulations of knee stability tests. Using a Plackett-Burman design of experiments, I performed a sensitivity analysis to determine which model parameters had the greatest effect on the knee kinematics during each simulation and which had the greatest effect on joint contact forces in a passive kinematics simulation. All of the parameters within the model, except for the cartilage damping coefficients, had a significant impact on at least one of the simulation output metrics. I found that the reference strain (slack length) and the stiffness of the ligaments most commonly had a significant impact on the knee kinematics regardless of the motion being simulated, while the cartilage and menisci contact parameters were the most common to have a significant impact on the joint contact forces. These results suggest that, when attempting to optimize the parameters of a model, all the parameters play a role in the overall kinematics of the joint, but there is a spectrum of importance with these parameters. This project also represents the first step in developing a full-factorial design of experiments, which can be used to determine the resolution of the significance for each of the model parameters. By understanding to which model parameters the simulation results are most sensitive, researchers developing these models can create efficient optimizations that lead to more accurate models. Creating accurate models is a necessary step in ensuring the clinical investigations in which the models are used produce accurate results. This will allow for improved understanding of knee injuries and treatments, which in turn will lead to better knee injury prevention strategies with a higher quality of life and potentially permanent repair for those suffering from knee pathologies.
Robert Siston, PhD (Advisor)
Ajit Chaudhari, PhD (Committee Member)
100 p.
Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
biomechanics; knee; modeling; cartilage

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Vignos, M. F. (2014). Sensitivity Analysis of a Multi-Body Intact Knee Model [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1408536036

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Vignos, Michael. Sensitivity Analysis of a Multi-Body Intact Knee Model. 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1408536036.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Vignos, Michael. "Sensitivity Analysis of a Multi-Body Intact Knee Model." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1408536036

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1408536036
766
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.