Musculoskeletal Modeling of The Human Elbow Joint
Abstract
Comprehensive knowledge of the in vivo loading of elbow structures is essential in
understanding the biomechanical causes associated with elbow diseases and injuries, and
to find appropriate treatment. Currently, in vivo measurements of ligament, and muscle
forces, and cartilage contact pressures during elbow activities is not possible. Therefore,
computational models needs to be employed for prediction. A dynamic computational
model in which muscle, ligament and articular surface contact forces are predicted
concurrently would be the ideal tool for patient specific pre-operative planning, computer
aided surgery and rehabilitation. Computational models of the elbow have been developed
to study joint behavior, but all of these models have limited applicability because the joint
structure was modeled as an idealized joint (e.g. hinge joint) rather than a true anatomical
joint. Three dimensional studies of elbow passive motion showed that the elbow does not
function as a simple hinge joint. An accurate elbow model should reflect the intrinsic laxity
of the elbow especially for clinical applications. Presented here are methods for developing
an anatomically based computational model of the human elbow joint that replicates the
mechanical behavior of the joint and is capable of concurrent prediction of articular
contact, ligament, and muscle forces under dynamic conditions. The model performance
was evaluated in both a cadaveric study and a living human subject experiment. The
validated models were then used to investigate the effects of medial and lateral collateral
ligament deficiency on elbow joint kinematics, ligament loads, and articular contact
pressure distribution.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Background -- Prediction of elbow joint contact mechanics in the multibody framework -- Lateral collateral ligament deficiency of the elbow joint: a modeling approach -- A modeling approach to simulating medial collateral ligament deficiency of the elbow joint -- Muscle driven elbow joint simulation: a computational approach -- Conclusion
Degree
Ph.D.