Modeling the Biomechanics of the Knee
Finite element model of the knee meniscus.
The emphasis in our laboratory is on the use of computational modeling to study biomechanics in personalized treatment planning. Our interests include studying the role of gender, obesity, ethnicity, activities and meniscal injuries in the development of knee osteoarthritis. Using models based on medical imaging techniques such as micro-computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, our goal is to better understand the distribution of forces in the knee joint and how these may be related to risks for the onset or progression of osteoarthritis. In similar studies, we also are investigating the cornea and methods to identify individual material characteristics that may influence treatment options. We use statistical methods to expand experimental studies from their use as validation to also allow for robust predictions of anticipated performance.