AboutDownloadsDocumentsForumsIssuesNews
The Influence of Knee Varus Deformity on the Kinematic and Dynamic Characteristics of Musculoskeletal Models During Gait (2023)
Abstract    View

Background Musculoskeletal modeling has paved the way of measuring kinematic and kinetic variables during motions. Nonetheless, since the commonly-used generic models are created based on averaged data; thus, they cannot accurately mimic subjects with skeletal deformities. To overcome this obstacle, one can build personalized models based on subject’s MRI or CT scan data, which is both time and money consuming. The other promising way is to manipulate generic models and create semi-personalized models to match with the individual’s skeletal system at the joint of interest. Research Question Can a semi-personalized model reduce marker error in gait analysis? How a semi-personalized model differentiates the ROM of the lower limb joints and muscle activation pattern while having varus deformity? Method We developed the varus-valgus tool (freely available on: https://simtk.org/projects/var-val-tool) in MATLAB using OpenSim Application Programming Interface (API) to incorporate varus-valgus deformity in the generic OpenSim models. A 36-year-old female subject with a complaint of knee pain participated in our study. The subject had 6.5 and 11.9 degrees of varus in the right and left leg, respectively. A semi-personalized model of the subject was first created using generic OpenSim models. Then, markers’ error during Inverse Kinematic (IK), joints Range of Motion (ROM) and the activation of Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL), a knee adductor, and Gracilis, a knee abductor, were calculated and compared between a semi-personalized model and a generic model. Results Significant difference was observed in markers’ error during IK between generic and semipersonalized models (p<0.05). Substantial alterations were found in the ROM of the hip, knee and ankle joints while using semi-personalized model. Moreover, the activation pattern of TFL experienced a dramatic rise whereas Gracilis saw a fall during each gait cycle in semi-personalized models. Significance Implementing varus-valgus deformity in the generic models substantially reduces markers’ error which leads to more accurate results. It was observed that semi-personalized models showed different ROM compared to generic ones.


A MATLAB tool has been developed allowing researchers to modify generic OpenSim models and generate semi-personalized models that incorporate knee varus/valgus malalignment.


The tool is coded based on the OpenSim API 4.x and is able to modify OpenSim models such as Gait 2354, Gait 2392, Rajagopal, and Hang Xu.
To generate a semi-personalized model using the tool, the following inputs are required:
1. An OpenSim generic model.
2. The center of rotation angulation (known as CORA in orthopedics) of the knee joint, specified on the OpenSim model using a virtual marker in the OpenSim GUI.
3. The magnitude of varus/valgus malalignment in each femur and tibia bone (Known as mLDFA and mMPTA in Orthopedics).
The tool then modifies the generic OpenSim model to incorporate varus/valgus malalignment, according to the location of CORA on each bone and the magnitude of deformation. The resulting semi-personalized model can then be used for further research purposes.

Downloads

Download the version of the varus-valgus tool associated with our 2023 preprint details (see publications).

See all Downloads
Feedback