Application of Finite Element Analysis Method in the Evaluation of Different Surgical Techniques in Arthroscopic PCL Reconstruction

Abstract

We constructed a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model based on the MRI data of a volunteer’s knee. Using the 3D computer-aided design software to construct the bone tunnels and load the tibia with external/internal rotation torque and posterior force at the 3D model, biomechanical properties between three different surgical techniques of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstructions were compared. Through the computer simulation finite element analysis, we found that the 4-tunnel anatomic double-bundle PCL reconstruction showed the priority in all measured parameters, and were closer to the intact knee, which could be the better surgical choice.