Finite element analysis of the Anterior Drawer Test for foot Ankle
Articles > Article · 2011
Authors: Mahmut PEKEDİS
Current Opinion in Biotechnology, Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded, International, WoS, 2011, vol 22, pp S150-S151
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2011.05.502
Summary
<p>The purpose of this study is to simulate Anterior Drawer Test (ADT), widely adopted in clinical treatment, by the nonlinear finite element method (FEM). First, the ankle model (tibia–fibia–calcaneus–talus–trabecular–cortical bone and soft tissue) was developed with computer tomography, then the nonlinear FEM was applied to analyze the stresses and strains occurred in ligaments and bones for four different positions (10° Dorsiflexion, 0° Neutralposition, 10° Plantarflexion, 20° Plantarflexion). The ligaments were attached to the relevant points according to the anatomical structure of foot. The soft tissue was defined as hyper elastic while other tissues were idealized as homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic. Anterior displacement of foot from high to down in terms of different positions was found to be as 0°N > 20°PF > 10°DF > 10°PF respectively by applying 80 N force on calcaneus in horizontal direction. The maximum displacements were found on calcaneus where the loads were applied and the minumum displacements were found on fibula and tibia where the supports were located. The finite element method can be used as a powerful tool in the simulation of living structures. Using of noninvasive methods such as FEM can help to determine behaviour of ankle and ligaments before the treatment (ADT) applied to the patients.</p>