Applying a Hybrid Experimental-Computational Technique to Study Elbow Joint Ligamentous Stabilizers

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danial Sharifi Kia ◽  
Ryan Willing
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Computational Technique ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Principle Of Superposition ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Joint Biomechanics ◽  
The Stability

Much of our understanding of the role of elbow ligaments to overall joint biomechanics has been developed through in vitro cadaver studies using joint motion simulators. The principle of superposition can be used to indirectly compute the force contributions of ligaments during prescribed motions. Previous studies have analyzed the contribution of different soft tissue structures to the stability of human elbow joints, but have limitations in evaluating the loads sustained by those tissues. This paper introduces a unique, hybrid experimental-computational technique for measuring and simulating the biomechanical contributions of ligaments to elbow joint kinematics and stability. in vitro testing of cadaveric joints is enhanced by the incorporation of fully parametric virtual ligaments, which are used in place of the native joint stabilizers to characterize the contribution of elbow ligaments during simple flexion–extension (FE) motions using the principle of superposition. Our results support previously reported findings that the anterior medial collateral ligament (AMCL) and the radial collateral ligament (RCL) are the primary soft tissue stabilizers for the elbow joint. Tuned virtual ligaments employed in this study were able to restore the kinematics and laxity of elbows to within 2 deg of native joint behavior. The hybrid framework presented in this study demonstrates promising capabilities in measuring the biomechanical contribution of ligamentous structures to joint stability.

In Vitro Kinematic Analysis of Single Axis Radius Posterior-Substituting Total Knee Arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Arauz ◽  
Yun Peng ◽  
Tiffany Castillo ◽  
Christian Klemt ◽  
Young-Min Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Knee Kinematics ◽  
Lateral Collateral Ligament ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Healthy Knee ◽  
Joint Biomechanics ◽  
Total Knee ◽  
Intact Knee

AbstractThis is an experimental study. As current posterior-substituting (PS) total knee arthroplasties have been reported to incompletely restore intrinsic joint biomechanics of the healthy knee, the recently designed single axis radius PS knee system was introduced to increase posterior femoral translation and promote ligament isometry. As there is a paucity of data available regarding its ability to replicate healthy knee biomechanics, this study aimed to assess joint and articular contact kinematics as well as ligament isometry of the contemporary single axis radius PS knee system. Implant kinematics were measured from 11 cadaveric knees using an in vitro robotic testing system. In addition, medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) forces were quantified under simulated functional loads during knee flexion for the contemporary PS knee system. Posterior femoral translation between the intact knee and the single axis radius PS knee system differed significantly (p < 0.05) at 60, 90, and 120 degrees of flexion. The LCL force at 60 degrees (9.06 ± 2.81 N) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those at 30, 90, and 120 degrees of flexion, while MCL forces did not differ significantly throughout the range of tested flexion angles. The results from this study suggest that although the contemporary single axis radius PS knee system has the potential to mimic the intact knee kinematics under muscle loading during flexion extension due to its design features, single axis radius PS knee system did not fully replicate posterior femoral translation and ligament isometry of the healthy knee during knee flexion.

scholarly journals Biomechanical Role and Motion Contribution of Ligaments and Bony Constraints in the Elbow Stability: A Preliminary Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Panero ◽  
Laura Gastaldi ◽  
Mara Terzini ◽  
Cristina Bignardi ◽  
Arman Sard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motion Capture ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Large Deflection ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Elbow Instability ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Coronoid Fracture ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Functional Investigation

In flexion–extension motion, the interaction of several ligaments and bones characterizes the elbow joint stability. The aim of this preliminary study was to quantify the relative motion of the ulna with respect to the humerus in two human upper limbs specimens and to investigate the constraints role for maintaining the elbow joint stability in different section conditions. Two clusters of four markers were fixed respectively to the ulna and humerus, and their trajectory was recorded by a motion capture system during functional orthopedic maneuver. Considering the posterior bundle of medial collateral complex (pMUCL) and the coronoid, two section sequences were executed. The orthopedic maneuver of compression, pronation and varus force was repeated at 30°, 60° and 90° flexion for the functional investigation of constraints. Ulna deflection was compared to a baseline elbow flexion condition. With respect to the intact elbow, the coronoid osteotomy influences the elbow stability at 90° (deflection = 11.49 ± 17.39 mm), while small differences occur at 30° and 60°, due to ligaments constraint. The contemporary pMUCL section and coronoid osteotomy causes elbow instability, with large deflection at 30° (deflection = 34.40 ± 9.10 mm), 60° (deflection = 45.41 ± 18.47 mm) and 90° (deflection = 52.16 ± 21.92 mm). Surgeons may consider the pMUCL reconstruction in case of unfixable coronoid fracture.

Biomechanical Assessment of Anchored Cervical Interbody Cages: Comparison of 2-Screw and 4-Screw Designs

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 412-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco T. Reis ◽  
Phillip M. Reyes ◽  
Neil R. Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Anterior Plate ◽  
Biomechanical Assessment ◽  
Loading Mode ◽  
Variable Angle ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Standard Plate ◽  
Vertebral Bodies ◽  
The Stability

Abstract BACKGROUND: A new anchored cervical interbody polyetheretherketone spacer was devised that uses only 2 integrated variable-angle screws diagonally into the adjacent vertebral bodies instead of the established device that uses 4 diagonal fixed-angle screws. OBJECTIVE: To compare in vitro the stability provided by the new 2-screw interbody spacer with that of the 4-screw spacer and a 4-screw anterior plate plus independent polyetheretherketone spacer. METHODS: Three groups of cadaveric specimens were tested with 2-screw anchored cage (n = 8), 4-screw anchored cage (n = 8), and standard plate/cage (n = 16). Pure moments (1.5 Nm) were applied to induce flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation while measuring 3-D motion optoelectronically. RESULTS: In all 3 groups, the mean range of motion (ROM) and lax zone were significantly reduced relative to the intact spine after discectomy and fixation. The 2-screw anchored cage allowed significantly greater ROM (P &lt; .05) than the standard plate during flexion, extension, and axial rotation and allowed significantly greater ROM than the 4-screw cage during extension and axial rotation. The 4-screw anchored cage did not allow significantly different ROM or lax zone than the standard plate during any loading mode. CONCLUSION: The 2-screw variable-angle anchored cage significantly reduces ROM relative to the intact spine. Greater stability can be achieved, especially during extension and axial rotation, by using the 4-screw cage or standard plate plus cage.

scholarly journals Finite Element Analysis of Elbow Joint Stability by Different Flexion Angles of the Annular Ligament

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangming Xu ◽  
ZhengZhong Yang ◽  
JiYong Yang ◽  
Ziyang Liang ◽  
wei Li
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Medial Collateral Ligament ◽  
Contact Area ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Annular Ligament ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Element Analysis

Abstract ObjectiveTo investigate the biomechanical effects of different flexion angles of the annular ligament on elbow joint stability. MethodsLeft elbow CT and MRI scans were chosen from a healthy volunteer, according to a previous research model. A cartilage and ligament model was constructed with SolidWorks software according to the MRI results to simulate the annular ligament during normal, loosen, and rupture conditions at different buckling angles (0, 30, 60, 90, 120). In 15 elbow models, boundary conditions were set according to the literature. The different elbow 3D finite element models were imported into ABAQUS software to calculate and analyze the load, contact area, contact stress and stress of the medial collateral ligament of the olecranon cartilage. Results1. According to the analysis results, olecranon cartilage stress values when the annular ligament under different conditions（normal、loosened、ruptured）with elbow extension, were 2.1 ± 0.18, 2.4 ± 0.75, and 2.9 ± 0.94 MPa. As the buckling angle increased, the stress value decreased; with 120 degrees of elbow flexion, the minimum stress values were 0.9 ± 0.12, 1.1 ± 0.38, and 1.2 ± 0.29 MPa. 2. When the contact surface of the olecranon cartilage was flexed from 0 to 30 degrees, the olecranon cartilage contact area significantly increased, reaching a maximum value of 254±5.35 mm, and then the contact area gradually decreased, reaching a minimum value of 176±2.62 mm when the elbow joint was flexed to 120 degrees. The results when the annular ligament was loosened and ruptured were different from those of the normal annular ligament. The maximum values were 283±4.74and 312±5.49mm at 60 degrees of elbow flexion. The contact area gradually decreased with an increase in the angle, and the minimum values were 210±3.82 and 236±6.59 mm at 120 degrees of elbow flexion. 3. When the elbow joint was extended, the maximum stress of the medial collateral ligament was 6.5±0.23, 11.5±0.78 and 18.7±0.94 MPa under different states; as the stress decreased with an increase in the angle, the corresponding values were 2.8±0.18, 4.8±0.56 and 6.2±0.72 MPa at 120 degrees of elbow flexion. ConclusionThe annular ligament plays an important role in maintaining elbow joint stability. When the annular ligament ruptures, it should be reconstructed as much as possible to avoid the elevation of stress on the surface of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow and on the annular cartilage, which may cause clinical symptoms.

Numerical investigation on the stability of human upper cervical spine (C1–C3)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Waseem Ur Rahman ◽  
Wei Jiang ◽  
Guohua Wang ◽  
Zhijun Li
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Upper Cervical Spine ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Facet Joints ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
The Stability

BACKGROUND: The finite element method (FEM) is an efficient and powerful tool for studying human spine biomechanics. OBJECTIVE: In this study, a detailed asymmetric three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the upper cervical spine was developed from the computed tomography (CT) scan data to analyze the effect of ligaments and facet joints on the stability of the upper cervical spine. METHODS: A 3D FE model was validated against data obtained from previously published works, which were performed in vitro and FE analysis of vertebrae under three types of loads, i.e. flexion/extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. RESULTS: The results show that the range of motion of segment C1–C2 is more flexible than that of segment C2–C3. Moreover, the results from the FE model were used to compute stresses on the ligaments and facet joints of the upper cervical spine during physiological moments. CONCLUSION: The anterior longitudinal ligaments (ALL) and interspinous ligaments (ISL) are found to be the most active ligaments, and the maximum stress distribution is appear on the vertebra C3 superior facet surface under both extension and flexion moments.

scholarly journals Medial Collateral Ligament Deficiency of the Elbow Joint: A Computational Approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munsur Rahman ◽  
Akin Cil ◽  
Antonis Stylianou
Keyword(s):  
Medial Collateral Ligament ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Surgical Planning ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Joint Models ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Joint Contact ◽  
Larger Sample

Computational elbow joint models, capable of simulating medial collateral ligament deficiency, can be extremely valuable tools for surgical planning and refinement of therapeutic strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of varying levels of medial collateral ligament deficiency on elbow joint stability using subject-specific computational models. Two elbow joint models were placed at the pronated forearm position and passively flexed by applying a vertical downward motion on humeral head. The models included three-dimensional bone geometries, multiple ligament bundles wrapped around the joint, and the discretized cartilage representation. Four different ligament conditions were simulated: All intact ligaments, isolated medial collateral ligament (MCL) anterior bundle deficiency, isolated MCL posterior bundle deficiency, and complete MCL deficiency. Minimal kinematic differences were observed for isolated anterior and posterior bundle deficient elbows. However, sectioning the entire MCL resulted in significant kinematic differences and induced substantial elbow instability. Joint contact areas were nearly similar for the intact and isolated posterior bundle deficiency. Minor differences were observed for the isolated anterior bundle deficiency, and major differences were observed for the entire MCL deficiency. Complete elbow dislocations were not observed for any ligament deficiency level. As expected, during isolated anterior bundle deficiency, the remaining posterior bundle experiences higher load and vice versa. Overall, the results indicate that either MCL anterior or posterior bundle can provide anterior elbow stability, but the anterior bundle has a somewhat bigger influence on joint kinematics and contact characteristics than posterior one. A study with a larger sample size could help to strengthen the conclusion and statistical significant.

The Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Elbow

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-99
Author(s):  
Saif Ul Islam ◽  
Alexander Glover ◽  
Robert J MacFarlane ◽  
Nisarg Mehta ◽  
Mohammad Waseem
Keyword(s):  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Orthopaedic Surgeons ◽  
Radioulnar Joint ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Elbow Anatomy ◽  
Dynamic Components

A sound knowledge of the elbow anatomy and biomechanics is critical to understanding the pathology of various elbow disorders and instigating appropriate management. The elbow joint is a trochoginglymoid joint: that is, it has flexion-extension [ginglymoid] motion at the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations and pronation and supination [trochoid] motion at the proximal radioulnar joint. Stability of the elbow joint is achieved through static and dynamic components. The aim of this article is to concisely describe the anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow joint relevant to the practice of trauma and orthopaedic surgeons.

Contact Areas in Human Elbow Joints

1982 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. K. Goel ◽  
D. Singh ◽  
V. Bijlani
Keyword(s):  
Elbow Joint ◽  
In Vitro Experiments ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Medial Aspect ◽  
Full Extension ◽  
Casting Technique ◽  
Contact Areas ◽  
Full Flexion ◽  
Shape And Size

The paper describes the results of in-vitro experiments to determine the contact areas in the elbow joint during different anatomical positions. The casting technique, using wax as a casting material, was used in this study. The shape and size of the contact areas change, in different elbow positions ranging from full extension to full flexion. The joint stability was preserved during the experiments. In full extension the area of contact was observed on the lower-medial aspect of the ulna while in other postures the pressure areas were found as a strip extending from posterolateral to anteromedial. The radio-capitulum joint also revealed contact during flexion under no externally applied loads.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Two Novel Integrated Stand-Alone Spacer Designs Compared with Anterior and Anterior-Posterior Single-Level Lumbar Fusion Techniques: An <italic>In Vitro</italic> Biomechanical Investigation

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig A. Kuhns ◽  
Jonathan A. Harris ◽  
Mir M. Hussain ◽  
Aditya Muzumdar ◽  
Brandon S. Bucklen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Pedicle Screws ◽  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Screw Design ◽  
Biomechanical Investigation ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Marginal Improvement

<sec><title>Study Design</title><p><italic>In vitro</italic> biomechanical investigation.</p></sec><sec><title>Purpose</title><p>To compare the biomechanics of integrated three-screw and four-screw anterior interbody spacer devices and traditional techniques for treatment of degenerative disc disease.</p></sec><sec><title>Overview of Literature</title><p>Biomechanical literature describes investigations of operative techniques and integrated devices with four dual-stacked, diverging interbody screws; four alternating, converging screws through a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) spacer; and four converging screws threaded within the PEEK spacer. Conflicting reports on the stability of stand-alone devices and the influence of device design on biomechanics warrant investigation.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Fourteen cadaveric lumbar spines were divided randomly into two equal groups (n=7). Each spine was tested intact, after discectomy (injured), and with PEEK interbody spacer alone (S), anterior lumbar plate and spacer (AP+S), bilateral pedicle screws and spacer (BPS+S), circumferential fixation with spacer and anterior lumbar plate supplemented with BPS, and three-screw (SA3s) or four-screw (SA4s) integrated spacers. Constructs were tested in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR). Researchers performed one-way analysis of variance and independent <italic>t</italic>-testing (<italic>p</italic>≤0.05).</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Instrumented constructs showed significantly decreased motion compared with intact except the spacer-alone construct in FE and AR (<italic>p</italic>≤0.05). SA3s showed significantly decreased range of motion (ROM) compared with AP+S in LB (<italic>p</italic>≤0.05) and comparable ROM in FE and AR. The three-screw design increased stability in FE and LB with no significant differences between integrated spacers or between integrated spacers and BPS+S in all loading modes.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title><p>Integrated spacers provided fixation statistically equivalent to traditional techniques. Comparison of three-screw and four-screw integrated anterior lumbar interbody fusion spacers revealed no significant differences, but the longer, larger-diameter interbody spacer with three-screw design increased stabilization in FE and LB; the diverging four-screw design showed marginal improvement during AR.</p></sec>

Geometry-Driven Glenohumeral Joint Biomechanical Analysis: Simultaneous Evaluation of the Capsule and Muscles

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bong Jae Jun ◽  
Michelle H. McGarry ◽  
Joo Han Oh ◽  
Thay Q. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Glenohumeral Joint ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Measurement Device ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Direct Measurements ◽  
Simultaneous Evaluation ◽  
Joint Biomechanics

Glenohumeral joint stability is provided by complex interaction between the passive (bony geometry, capsule, and ligaments) and active (muscles) stabilizers [1]. The functional roles of geometry, capsule, ligaments, and muscles have been evaluated by sequential cutting studies [2–4] or direct measurements [5–7]. However these isolated function of individual stabilizer does not replicate in vivo glenohumeral joint biomechanics where the joint stability is controlled by interaction between passive and active stabilizers. Direct measurement device instrumentation on the soft tissue do not allow entire capsular strain measurement during rotational range of motion. Sequential cutting of the soft tissue can result in alteration in the synergy of passive and active stabilizers. To replicate in vivo interaction between passive and active stabilizers it is required to minimize the measurement device instrumentation on the glenohumeral joint capsule while the joint stability is provided by both passive and active stabilizers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the simultaneous contribution of the capsule and muscles using a geometry-driven biomechanical analysis.

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