Multibody dynamic models in biomechanics : modelling issues and a new model

In the surgical process of total knee replacement (TKR), it is well known that the three types of failures which are; a) unable to reproduce normal knee function, b) bone-implant interface failure c) wear during use. These failures are certainly due to the motion and the load that influence the prosthesis components .In this study, the modelling questions of the human knee joint will be discussed in relation only to the multi body dynamics models. Firstly, a summary is presented about the relevant literature, where the models with their different features are presented and evaluated. The existing models are mainly focused on the investigation of the ligaments (linear of non-linear properties), the description of the contact path,and contact forces during the motion, kinematics (rotation, abduction and adduction) and even the wear mechanism of the knee joint. The primal advantages of the multibody dynamics models are the easy adaptability in the mechanical parameters to carry out simulations and the connection with CAE programs that helps the design of new prostheses. A new multibody model is also presented by the authors