Optimization of Soft-Tissue Balancing for Total-Knee Arthroplasty

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Christof Hurschler
• Subject Area: Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery
• Term: from 2015 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 271360605

The goal of this DFG-Proposal is to investigate the mechanisms and function of individual structures of the knee-joint with regards to soft-tissue balancing by means of in-vitro experiments supported by computer simulations. Using existing currently available data from the literature as a starting point, an optimized systematic sequence of soft-tissue release will be developed, and objective target parameters for soft-tissue balancing defined. The findings from the literature will be complemented by means of structured tissue resections on cadaveric knee specimens followed by stiffness investigations on the robot assisted test rig. Furthermore, the gathered data establisch a basis for the development of a extensive musculoskeletal multi-body model of the knee, which can be used to investigate further approaches for the soft tissue balancing. This project is the starting point for a model based, patient specific, simulation of the soft-tissue-balancing approach, which can be used to create a soft-tissue-planing tool for the knee-TKA in following projects.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Henning Windhagen