2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (34): 7369-7375

Material characterization of finite element computational models of knee joints at different ages

Chen Jing1, Zhang Nan2, Meng Qinghua1, Bao Chunyu2   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Finite element modeling, as an important engineering analysis technique, has been widely used in various fields of bioengineering research. However, there is little literature on what material properties should be selected for each anatomical structure of the knee joint finite element modeling at different ages for different research purposes.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the material properties of knee joint finite element models at different ages based on previous knee joint finite element studies.
METHODS: The search terms were “knee, finite element, material selection, ligament injury, osteoarthritis, elderly, children, young people” in Chinese and English. Articles were searched on CNKI and PubMed, with a timeframe of 1950 to 2024. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 108 articles were finally included for summary.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Children's knee bone density will increase with age, reaching peaks in adulthood. From middle-aged to the age, the elastic modulus of knee joint femur, tibia, fibula, and patella will decrease with age, and then return to the elastic modulus of childhood. The elastic modulus of children and adult cartilage is basically the same, and the elastic modulus of the elderly increases. With the increase of age, the elastic modulus of the knee ligament will decrease to a certain extent, but there is no significant difference in the elastic modulus of the knee ligament of young people and the elderly. With the increase of age, the loss of mechanical integrity of the knee meniscus will damage the biomechanical function of the tissue and disturb the various anisotropic biomechanical responses that are effectively carried and transmitted by the tissue. Knee joint finite element modeling can be used to deeply understand the biomechanical characteristics of the knee joints, develop new implanted materials, predict knee joint diseases, improve surgical technology, and guide patients to rehabilitate exercise.

Key words: knee joint, finite element computational modeling, material property, different ages, elastic modulus, engineered material