Finite element musculoskeletal modelling framework for coupling of biomechanics and biotribology

Biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and biotribology of the joints, bones and muscles have a two-way interaction, but have been usually studied separately. Biomechanics (e.g., muscle forces and joint contact forces) has been typically calculated through multibody dynamics-based musculoskeletal models, whereas biotribology (e.g., stresses, strains, and contact mechanics of bones, joints, and muscles) has been typically simulated using finite element models developed on the regional tissue/joint level. In these separate/uncoupled modelling approaches, the biomechanics-biotribology interaction cannot be simulated. In recent years, concurrent/coupled simulation of biomechanics, biotribology, and their interaction is enabled using musculoskeletal models developed within a single finite element framework. In this chapter, several inverse dynamics-based finite element musculoskeletal models incorporating deformable contact models of the natural knee, knee implant, and muscles are described and discussed. The challenges and opportunities in this emerging technology are also listed.