Modelling framework for in-vivo knee joint contact analysis

Swain, Lauren Mai 2025. Modelling framework for in-vivo knee joint contact analysis. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Understanding the relationship between knee joint mechanics and disease is essential for improving the prevention and treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). This work developed a comprehensive framework to investigate tibiofemoral (TF) joint contact mechanics by integrating accurate in-vivo biplane videoradiography (BVR) kinematics with musculoskeletal (MSM) and finite element (FEM) modelling. By combining the complementary strengths of these techniques, the framework provides a more comprehensive understanding of knee biomechanics, capturing joint kinematics, loading, and internal tissue mechanics during dynamic functional activities. A protocol was established for the simultaneous acquisition and processing of BVR and marker-based motion capture data, enabling accurate calculation of 6 degree of freedom TF kinematics during gait, stair ascent, and lunging tasks. These datasets were used to evaluate MSM predictions of TF kinematics and contact pressures, comparing models with generic and MRI-derived personalised contact geometries. Incorporating subject-specific bone and cartilage geometries improved MSM estimates during gait, particularly in the anterior-posterior direction, however the limitations of the modelling approach for higher flexion activities were highlighted. The BVR-derived kinematics were then used to drive a fully kinematically driven FEM of the knee, enabling investigation of articular cartilage contact pressures, stresses, and strains during the stance phase of gait. The model produced loading patterns consistent with previous literature, with peak contact pressures, stresses and strains coinciding with the loading peaks during gait. The model demonstrated the feasibility and value of combining high-fidelity imaging with FEM to explore in-vivo internal cartilage mechanics. Overall, this research presents a novel, integrated approach for studying in-vivo knee biomechanics. The framework delivers both methodological and practical advances, providing a foundation for future work investigating pathological cohorts, surgical interventions, and the biomechanical mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1. Tibiofemoral joint 2. Biomechanics 3. Biplane Videoradiography 4. Musculoskeletal modelling 5. Finite element modelling 6. Cartilage contact mechanics
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 February 2026
Last Modified:	10 Feb 2026 17:05
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/184479

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