Simulation of ACL reconstruction dynamics for optimal rehabilitation planning

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for simulated evaluation of the biomechanics of the human knee after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Following the notion of the Virtual Physiological Human (VPH), a computational model of both the kinematics and dynamics of the human knee is developed that is subsequently simulated for typical motions and activities. The proposed scheme provides a feasibility study on how VPH simulations can be used in a pre-surgical step for optimal planning of several parameters related to the surgical procedure (e.g. physical vs. synthetic reconstruction, positioning, etc.). The effect of the choice of these parameters on the motor behaviour of the knee can be estimated through the proposed simulation scheme, thus leading to a powerful clinical decision support system. Experimental evaluation demonstrates the clinical potential of the proposed framework.