Finite element analysis of talus cartilage before and after anterior talofibular ligament injury

Tu Hudi; Jurat·Matrozi; Zheng Hui; Li Chaojie

doi:10.12307/2024.050

Abstract：BACKGROUND:The injury of the anterior talofibular ligament is most common in joint ligament injuries.The use of the finite element method to simulate ankle joint motion has the advantages of short experimental time,complex boundary conditions that can be simulated,and mechanical properties. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the effect of the anterior talofibular ligament on the stress distribution of the talus trochlea and the stability of the ankle joint. METHODS:A finite element model of the ankle was established based on CT and MRI images of patients with anterior talofibular ligament injury who were followed up for two months after Broström surgery to simulate ankle joint stress in patients with anterior talofibular ligament injury before and after surgery during normal gait cycles(ground phase,neutral phase,and off-ground phase).The stress distribution and maximum stress value of the talus bone cartilage were measured before and after surgery,and their differences were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Under normal gait,the anterior talofibular ligament has a certain protective effect on the talus trochlea in any position,reducing the wear of the ankle joint on the talus trochlea during movement.In all three phases,stress concentration was observed on the surface of the talus trochlea near the inner side of the ankle joint.The influence of the anterior talofibular ligament on the stability of the talus trochlear is much greater in the off-ground phase than in the ground phase and neutral phase.Under certain circumstances,the greater the torque on the ankle joint,the more significant the effect of the anterior talofibular ligament on the stability of the talus trochlea.