Validation of a computational knee joint model using an alignment method for the knee laxity test and computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Computational models have been identified as efficient techniques in the clinical decision-making process. However, computational model was validated using published data in most previous studies, and the kinematic validation of such models still remains a challenge. Recently, studies using medical imaging have provided a more accurate visualization of knee joint kinematics.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to perform kinematic validation for the subject-specific computational knee joint model by comparison with subject's medical imaging under identical laxity condition.

METHODS: The laxity test was applied to the anterior-posterior drawer under 90° flexion and the varus-valgus under 20° flexion with a series of stress radiographs, a Telos device, and computed tomography. The loading condition in the computational subject-specific knee joint model was identical to the laxity test condition in the medical image.

RESULTS: Our computational model showed knee laxity kinematic trends that were consistent with the computed tomography images, except for negligible differences because of the indirect application of the subject's in vivo material properties.

CONCLUSIONS: Medical imaging based on computed tomography with the laxity test allowed us to measure not only the precise translation but also the rotation of the knee joint. This methodology will be beneficial in the validation of laxity tests for subject- or patient-specific computational models.