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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2019; 9(8); 502; doi: 10.3390/ani9080502

Finite Element Modelling Simulated Meniscus Translocation and Deformation during Locomotion of the Equine Stifle.

Abstract: We developed a finite element model (FEM) of the equine stifle joint to identify pressure peaks and simulate translocation and deformation of the menisci. A series of sectional magnetic resonance images (1.5 T) of the stifle joint of a 23 year old Shetland pony gelding served as basis for image segmentation. Based on the 3D polygon models of femur, tibia, articular cartilages, menisci, collateral ligaments and the meniscotibial ligaments, an FEM model was generated. Tissue material properties were assigned based on data from human (Open knee(s) project) and bovine femoro-tibial joint available in the literature. The FEM model was tested across a range of motion of approximately 30°. Pressure load was overall higher in the lateral meniscus than in the medial. Accordingly, the simulation showed higher translocation and deformation in the lateral compared to the medial meniscus. The results encourage further refinement of this model for studying loading patterns on menisci and articular cartilages as well as the resulting mechanical stress in the subchondral bone (femur and tibia). A functional FEM model can not only help identify segments in the stifle which are predisposed to injury, but also to better understand the progression of certain stifle disorders, simulate treatment/surgery effects and to optimize implant/transplant properties.
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Publication Date: 2019-07-31 PubMed ID: 31370196PubMed Central: PMC6720206DOI: 10.3390/ani9080502Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The researchers have created a sophisticated model of a horse’s knee joint (equine stifle) using detailed magnetic resonance imaging data and computer simulation. The model enables them to observe how different structures within the joint, particularly the menisci (cushioning cartilages), move and change shape during motion, and how this might relate to joint injuries or disorders.

Development of a Finite Element Model

  • The researchers used Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a computing method that models how objects respond to real-world forces, such as mechanical stress, vibration, heat, and other physical effects.
  • A detailed 3D model was generated of an equine stifle, which is the equine equivalent of a human knee, based on a series of sectional magnetic resonance images. A 23-year-old Shetland pony gelding served as the subject for the imaging.
  • Various structures within the stifle joint, including the femur, tibia, articular cartilages, menisci, collateral ligaments, and the meniscotibial ligaments, were represented in the model and assigned properties based on data from both human and bovine research.

Simulation and Testing

  • The model was tested across a range of motion, approximately 30°, to simulate the pressures and deformations that occur in the stifle joint during locomotion.
  • The results revealed higher pressure loads and greater degree of translocation and deformation in the lateral meniscus, which is located on the outer side of the stifle, compared to the medial meniscus, found on the inside of the joint.

Implications and Further Applications

  • The findings encourage further refinement of this model for understanding loading patterns on menisci and articular cartilages, and for examining the subsequent mechanical stress in the subchondral bone of the femur and tibia.
  • The developed model could help identify areas within the stifle that are more susceptible to injury, deepen understanding of how certain disorders progress within the joint, simulate the effects of various treatments or surgeries, and optimize the properties of implants or transplants.

Cite This Article

APA
Zellmann P, Ribitsch I, Handschuh S, Peham C. (2019). Finite Element Modelling Simulated Meniscus Translocation and Deformation during Locomotion of the Equine Stifle. Animals (Basel), 9(8), 502. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9080502

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
PII: 502

Researcher Affiliations

Zellmann, Pasquale
  • Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
Ribitsch, Iris
  • Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria. iris.ribitsch@vetmeduni.ac.at.
Handschuh, Stephan
  • VetCore Facility for Research, Imaging Unit, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
Peham, Christian
  • Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Hamsayeh Abbasi Niasar E, Li L. Implication of region-dependent material properties of articular cartilage in the contact mechanics of porcine knee joint. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2025 Feb 14;26(1):149.
    doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-08290-ypubmed: 39953574google scholar: lookup
  2. Yan M, Liang T, Zhao H, Bi Y, Wang T, Yu T, Zhang Y. Model Properties and Clinical Application in the Finite Element Analysis of Knee Joint: A Review. Orthop Surg 2024 Feb;16(2):289-302.
    doi: 10.1111/os.13980pubmed: 38174410google scholar: lookup
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