In this biomechanics study that I published recently, I created a 3D printed model in order to assess how forces can be improved across the front of the knee with a surgical intervention called tibial tubercle osteotomy.
The issue with a lot of the research that we do in biomechanics is that we use cadaver knee specimens that actually have normal anatomy. However, many of the knees that I see that develop patellofemoral cartilage lesions or instability actually do not have normal anatomy or bone shape.
Ultimately, my goal of doing research is to learn how we can do things better. I want to optimize surgical techniques and improve patient’s outcomes.
Read the article on Anteromedialization Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy.
3D printed knee image via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:3D_printed_knee_20151126.jpg
© Nevit Dilmen, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons