Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of a Human Knee Orthotic Device

In order to improve the quality of walking for people affected by osteoarthritis, a dimensional optimization study of the knee orthotic device was performed, assigning the mass as objective function. The orthotic device is designed to rehabilitate people with knee problems, especially for the osteoarthritis affection. The geometric model of the joint shows a 5 tilt in varus, the joint being affected by osteoarthritis in the medial compartment. For this study, the capabilities of the well-known CAD/CAM/CAE software's (Pro/Engineer and Ansys) were used. Using Ansys simulation environment, the virtual assembly joint orthosis has been subjected to a nonlinear analysis based on the contacts used. The proposed orthotic device seeks to improve the quality of walking by minimizing the loads from the knee joint, also on cartilage and on the menisci. Finally there are being compared the results obtained for normal knee, knee joint affected by osteoarthritis and knee - orthosis assemblies.