The finite element analysis of three grafts in the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

A 3-D finite element model, including cartilages, menisci and four main ligaments, was developed to investigate the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on the biomechanics of knee joint. The menisci were assumed to be transversely isotropic and ligaments to be hyperelastic. The biomechanics of tibiofemoral joint were analyzed under 134 N posterior femoral force for three different ACL reconstructions (Bone-patellar tendon-Bone, double and quadruple semitendinosus). Due to the stability and stress in other tissues, the quadruple semitendinosus graft reconstruction was better than the others (Bone-patellar tendon-Bone and double semitendinosus) but can only restore ACL function partially. The higher stress induced in medial collateral ligament and menisci by reconstruction may cause these tissues damage or degeneration in future.