Reconstructed 3D Knee Model Helps to Study Patellofemoral Disorders

3D printing has emerged as a technology with which many medical processes and conditions can be studied virtually. Using a 3d printer, three dimensional models of particular organs of the body can be created, favoring easy studying of the body parts.

Now, scientists have created a new, low-cost approach to build a knee model for studying knee pain and impaired mobility.

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‘3d printing creates knee model for evaluating patellar disorders and surgical approaches.’

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The reconstructed knee model closely simulates the movement of the patella (kneecap) observed in cadaver knee models.

Because the kneecap acts like a shield for knee joint, it can easily be broken. Falling directly onto the knee is a common cause of patellar fractures.

Researchers Gian Luca Gervasi, Roberto Tiribuzi and a team from the University of Ioannina, Greece and Giuliano Cerulli from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy used a motion tracking system to measure the position of the patella as different loads and forces were applied to the knee model at various degrees of flexion.

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They used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of a real knee to develop the computer-aided design software files used by a 3D printer to create the three main components of the knee and a navigation system for combining them with artificial ligaments and a tendon.

The team presented the results of static experiments in the study published in the journal 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing.

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