Simulating dynamic activities using a five-axis knee simulator

This work describes the design and capabilities of the Purdue Knee Simulator: Mark II and a sagittal-plane model of the machine. This five-axis simulator was designed and constructed to simulate dynamic loading activities on either cadaveric knee specimens or total knee prostheses mounted on fixtures. The purpose of the machine was to provide a consistent, realistic loading of the knee joint, allowing the kinematics and specific loading of the structures of the knee to be determined based on condition, articular geometry, and simulated activity. The sagittal-plane model of the knee simulator was developed both to predict the loading at the knee from arbitrary inputs and to generate the necessary inputs required to duplicate specified joint loading. Measured tibio-femoral compressive force and quadriceps tension were shown to be in good agreement with the predicted loads from the model. A controlled moment about the ankle-flexion axis was also shown to change the loading on the quadriceps.