Progress in finite element analysis of sports injury to anterior cruciate ligament

Of all the knee ligaments, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most likely injured and thus a hot spot in sports medicine research. Complexity of the anatomical structures and motion mechanisms of the knee joint poses a great challenge to the study into the accurate biomechanics of the knee. As finite element analysis can evaluate a variety of variables effectively, such as graft type, surgical design and material properties, it can predict injury mechanisms, optimize surgical techniques and makes up for the deficiencies of biomechanical experiments. It is an important tool to evaluate the mechanical behavior of ACL. This paper summarizes the research progress in finite element analysis of ACL sports injury, discusses its significance in clinical application, and points out the insufficiencies of finite element analysis in simulating knee joint flexion-extension activity. This review may help clinicians to make better use of finite element simulation in the research of ACL sports injury. Key words: Finite element analysis; Anterior cruciate ligament; Knee joint; Wounds and injuries