MUSCULOSKELETAL SQUAT SIMULATION EVALUATION BY MEANS OF AN INSTRUMENTED TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

Knowledge of internal loading conditions based on validated musculoskeletal (MS) simulations can allow improved training and rehabilitation design and monitoring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of individualised reference MS models, based on comprehensive motion analysis, to determine knee joint contact forces (JCFs), as measured in 6 subjects with instrumented total knee arthroplasties (TKA) during squat exercises. Maximum simulated JCFs reached approximately 100% higher than the in vivo measured values at high joint flexion angles; however, at knee flexion angles of below -l0 degree, the models underestimated the real forces by up to 50%. Improvements of reference MS models, even if they are individualised, are clearly required, especially at joint angles < -10 degree or >-50 degree.