Computational Modeling of a Dynamic Knee Simulator for Reproduction of Knee Loading

Abstract

As a first step towards reproducing desired three-dimensional joint loading and motion on a dynamic knee simulator, the goal of this study was to develop and verify a three-dimensional computational model that generated control profiles for the simulator using desired knee loading and motion as model inputs. The developed model was verified by predicting tibio-femoral loading on an instrumented analog knee for given actuator forces and the ability to generate simulator control profiles was demonstrated using a three-dimensional walking profile. The model predicted axial tibia loading for a sagittal-plane dual-limb squat within 1% of measured peak loading. Adding out-of-sagittal-plane forces decreased the accuracy of load prediction. The model generated control profiles to the simulator that produced axial tibia loading within 16% of desired for walking. Discrepancies in predicted and measured quadriceps forces influenced the accuracy of the generated control profiles. Future work will replace the analog knee in both the model and machine with a prosthetic knee.