Individualized computer knee models in osteoarthritis. Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and application of subject-specific musculoskeletal models in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
IRAS ID
183203
Contact name
Marco Mannisi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) represents the deterioration of knee joint cartilage. This is an irreversible chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain that contributes joint instability and reduced functional capacity. KOA is a very common disease, affecting over 9.5 million patients within Europe. Prevalence and incidence are increasing due to an increased prevalence of risk-factors such as obesity. The economic burden of KOA is significant. The National Joint Registry evidences 79’516 primary knee replacements in the UK in 2011 with OA as major indicator for surgery (98%) and a recent UK report shows that about 13% of OA patients were forced into early retirement with an average loss of eight working years per patient. KOA is treated with a wide-range of pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical treatments with limited and variable effectiveness. Most non-surgical treatments are generic and primarily aimed at symptom relief without effectively maintaining or resorting joint function.
Anatomical and biomechanical factors contribute to degenerative knee joint changes that characterise KOA. The knee joint is a highly complex structure. It is composed of four bones connected by fibrous structures and cartilage that compose three different synovial joints, which are able to move with respect to each other. Recently, computational (Finite Element) and musculoskeletal (MS) models have been developed to reproduce the real movement of human body to study internal parameters (e.g. joint reaction force) avoiding use of direct measurement with invasive techniques. With the use of MS and Finite Element (FE) models it is possible to estimate a variety of different parameters that may help in the understanding of KOA. Principal parameters include internal loading condition, muscle force and stress strain occurring in bones, cartilage and meniscus. Current models however, are mostly based on idealized simplification and for this reason, these do not replicate the real structural and biomechanical complexity of the knee joint.
Therefore, this project will focus on the development of an innovative, multiscale, and subject-specific knee model. The new model will then be tested in KOA and healthy control subjects through three approaches, 1) by performing activities of daily living (such as walking, stair climbing and standing from a chair) 2) the use lateral wedged insoles (a well-established biomechanical intervention) and 3) introducing gait modification techniques. These approaches will support the validation and utility of the model through the advanced stages of development.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
15/WS/0287
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion