Intact knee
Baseline model for comparison with the injury configurations.
Research Assistant · UI Health Orthopedics Research Lab · 2023
Finite Element Modeling of Meniscus Tears
Knee biomechanics · Computational modeling · Cadaveric testing
After tearing my ACL and meniscus in a soccer injury in 2023, I joined the UIC Orthopedics Research Lab. I worked on computational models and physical tests to study knee injury mechanics and how meniscal damage changes joint contact.
01 / Model
From DICOM scans to a knee model
I reconstructed joint anatomy from DICOM imaging, prepared the geometry in ANSYS SpaceClaim, and set up finite element models for injury-relevant loading.
The CAD assembly represented the knee structures needed to examine load transfer through the joint. I prepared the geometry for analysis and created intact and meniscus-injury configurations.
Explore the reconstructed knee geometry and its major structures in the interactive model.
- Femur
- Tibia
- Patella
- Menisci
- ACL & ligaments
UI Health · Knee Model
Open 3D viewer ↗02 / Load cases
Compare intact and injured knees
I analyzed the models under different loads and orientations to examine how tear location and severity affected joint contact mechanics.
33% · 50% · 83%
Radial tears modeled at different portions of meniscus width.
Meniscectomy
Total medial meniscectomy included as a comparison condition.
Radial tear locations
Anterior horn of the medial meniscus · midbody of both menisci · posterior horn of the lateral meniscus
03 / Validation
Connect simulation with physical testing
I compared the model results with cadaveric experimental data to help interpret joint behavior under injury conditions.
Cadaveric knee testing
I designed mechanical fixtures for cadaveric specimens and supported testing of the ACL, patella, femur, and associated ligaments.
Using the NDI Optotrak 3D optical tracking system, I analyzed motion data to quantify joint kinematics under applied loading.
What the comparison showed
Comparing finite element results with cadaveric experimental data provided insights into injury mechanics and the effect of meniscus tears on contact mechanics of the joint.