Scientists have developed a new, low-cost approach to building a 3D printed model for studying knee pain and impaired mobility caused by abnormal movement of the kneecap.
Researchers, including those from the University of Ioannina in Greece, and Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, used a 3D printer to create a femur, tibia, patella (kneecap) and the navigation system to guide knee reconstruction.
The reconstructed knee model closely simulates the movement of the patella observed in cadaver knee models, researchers said.
Scientists used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of a real knee to develop the computer-aided design software files used by a 3D printer to create the three main components of the knee and a navigation system for combining them with artificial ligaments and a tendon.
Researchers presented the results of static experiments using a motion tracking system to measure the position of the patella as different loads and forces were applied to the knee model at various degrees of movement.
The study was published in the journal 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing.
