Finite Element Analysis of Cartilage Stress of Rabbits in the Knee Joints and Establishment of a Model for Cartilage Defects in Different Weight-Bearing Sites

Abstract

New Zealand white rabbits have been widely used to establish cartilage defect models, but there has been less research on stress analysis of the knee joint, and even less in cartilage defect models at different weight-bearing sites. A biomechanical model of the upper zone was established using finite element analysis. An animal model of cartilage defect was established to replicate minor trauma in different weight-bearing parts by simple surgery. The results showed that the stress in the posterior region of condyle was heavier than any weight-bearing areas, the stress in the posterior part of condyle was intermediate, the stress in the trochlear region was the smallest. The cartilage can be exposed by prolonging the medial surgical incision and then cartilage defects can be formed. Finite element analysis is an effective technique to study the mechanical properties of animal cartilage. Prolonging the medial incision can expose cartilage at different weight-bearing sites and establish a cartilage defect model.