Manipulating Cartilage Geometry on Three-Dimensional Model of the Knee Joint
Additional Funding Sources
This project is supported by a 2017-2018 STEM Undergraduate Research Grant from the Higher Education Research Council.
Abstract
Computer modeling is increasingly prevalent in the medical field. In the Computational Biosciences Lab (CBL), we generate 3D models from magnetic resonance (MR) images to address clinical issues on a subject-specific basis. Within the knee joint, cartilage tissue lines the surfaces of bones and must be reproduced accurately in our simulations to appropriately capture load transfer and cartilage stresses. Using computer modeling programs, we can create a 3D model and transform it into a mesh. The cartilage mesh compromised of a series of nodes and elements. By identifying the nodes on the edges of the cartilage, the geometry of these nodes can then be manipulated to curve down towards the bone. The resulting cartilage mesh typically has a sharp angular edge, which can cause significant mesh distortion. When the cartilage is loaded near these regions, the distorted edge causes artificial peaks in stress. Our goal was to replace the manual process with an automated way to create a more natural curve to the cartilage as it transitions into the bone. This will be used in ongoing research in the CBL to observe the impact of injuries on the knee and evaluate the efficiency of surgical methods to these injuries.
Manipulating Cartilage Geometry on Three-Dimensional Model of the Knee Joint
Computer modeling is increasingly prevalent in the medical field. In the Computational Biosciences Lab (CBL), we generate 3D models from magnetic resonance (MR) images to address clinical issues on a subject-specific basis. Within the knee joint, cartilage tissue lines the surfaces of bones and must be reproduced accurately in our simulations to appropriately capture load transfer and cartilage stresses. Using computer modeling programs, we can create a 3D model and transform it into a mesh. The cartilage mesh compromised of a series of nodes and elements. By identifying the nodes on the edges of the cartilage, the geometry of these nodes can then be manipulated to curve down towards the bone. The resulting cartilage mesh typically has a sharp angular edge, which can cause significant mesh distortion. When the cartilage is loaded near these regions, the distorted edge causes artificial peaks in stress. Our goal was to replace the manual process with an automated way to create a more natural curve to the cartilage as it transitions into the bone. This will be used in ongoing research in the CBL to observe the impact of injuries on the knee and evaluate the efficiency of surgical methods to these injuries.
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