Joint Loading & Musculoskeletal Analysis

With the aid of newly developed instrumented knee endoprostheses, it is possible to precisely measure the load on the knee joint during various activities. Such telemetric examinations are performed on nine patients. The measurement data allow realistic testing of the wear resistance and prosthesis anchorage in the bone and should enable further improvement of the implant design in the long term. Endoprosthesis wearers may be advised against activities that may cause excessive wear or premature loosening. Similar indications are also important for patients with gonarthrosis. The forces in the joint and thus the joint pressure are also decisive for the loading capacity of cartilage.

Computer simulations to determine the loads on muscles, ligaments and bones in the lower extremities require the use of the measured loads as the "gold standard" to validate and improve them. With realistic analytical methods, implants and surgical procedures after ligament injuries and fractures remote from the joint can be further improved. The results are particularly important because the number of patients with knee endoprostheses is constantly increasing, they are becoming younger and more active than before.