The role of dynamic mechanical behavior of altered collagen network under loading to OA statedependent cartilage degradation: combined in vitro and in silico study

Within this PhD project, we will develop and test a multiscale finite element modelling approach to determine cartilage degeneration in the human knee based on in vivo and in vitro experiments. To this end, adaptive multi-scale modeling of the musculoskeletal system is used to relate macroscopic loading to tissue stresses and cell responses, ultimately providing a valuable tool for predicting cartilage degenerative and regenerative responses. To this end, finite element (FE) simulations of cartilage structures are combined with mechano-regulatory algorithms on a patient-specific basis. Hereby multi-scale models are combined with motion data collected using 3D Mocap and inertial measurement (IMU-) systems together with in vitro bioreactor experiments. The model-based insights will ultimately be used to define surgical or therapeutic strategies to optimize musculoskeletal loading in order to prevent cartilage degeneration.