Anatomical Knee Model (from real CT)

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Model Information

This model consisting of Femur (thigh bone), Tibia (shin bone), Patella (kneecap) and Fibula (calf bone) is made from a real CT of a person so the bones are anatomically correct. But in this model there are no soft tissues such as the meniscii or ligaments. Maybe I'll create a more complete model at a later time point once I segmented the soft tissue structures visible in a MRI.

Knee joint

The knee joint actually consists of two joints the tibiofemoral joint (between Tibia and Femur) as well as the patellofemoral joint (between Patella and Femur). Its function are very complex. In fact so complex that my whole PhD is dedicated to learn more about the complex motion patterns of the tibiofemoral joint consisting of 3 rotations and 3 translations - motion patterns that researchers around the world are dedicated to investigate. This knowledge is central to understanding disease development such as osteoarthritis or improving on prosthesis designs.

Interesting facts about bones
In your bones there are cells that constantly dissolve the bone by using some kind of acid, and cells that constantly build up bone. These cells can sense the way that your bones are loaded with forces and organize your bones in the way that optimally can deal with the forces acting on the bones. Of course this process can take some time, but roughly every 10 years your whole skeleton has been replaced by new tissue. Fascinating to think about!