Finite element analysis of biomechanical variation of subchondral bone in osteoarthritis

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the changes in mechanical properties of subchondral bone in the early stage of knee instability and the intervention effects of diphosphate. Design: Control experiment Setting: Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China Subjects: Sixty healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into model, diphosphate, and control groups. Intervention: Statistical analysis and comparison Main outcome measures: The obtained 2D image files were then used for the finite element analysis. Results: Several parameters of the 12- and 4-week groups were compared. Results showed that bone volume fraction, bone density, elastic modulus, reaction force, and von Mises stress were all increased (p < 0.01). In the early stage of knee instability, the elastic modulus significantly decreased. The diphosphate could significantly improve the elastic modulus of the subchondral bone by preventing bone resorption. Conclusions: The changes in the mechanical properties of the subchondral bone showed a significant role in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis.