The Design and Validation of a Computational Rigid Body Model of the Elbow.

• Main Author: Spratley, Edward
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2009
• Subjects: computational model; musculoskeletal; elbow; varus stability; ligament; validation; cadaveric; Solidworks; CAD; ADAMS; COSMOSMotion; Terrible Triad; Coronoid process; radial head prosthesis; Rigid Body Dynamics; Multibody Dynamics; Computed Topography; Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Engineering
• Online Access: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/1998; http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2997&context=etd

The use of computational modeling is an effective and inexpensive way to predict the response of complex systems to various perturbations. However, not until the early 1990s had this technology been used to predict the behavior of physiological systems, specifically the human skeletal system. To that end, a computational model of the human elbow joint was developed using computed topography (CT) scans of cadaveric donor tissue, as well as the commercially available software package SolidWorks™. The kinematic function of the joint model was then defined through 3D reconstructions of the osteoarticular surfaces and various soft-tissue constraints. The model was validated against cadaveric experiments performed by Hull et al and Fern et al that measured the significance of coronoid process fractures, lateral ulnar collateral ligament ruptures, and radial head resection in elbow joint resistance to varus displacement of the forearm. Kinematic simulations showed that the computational model was able to mimic the physiological movements of the joint throughout various ranges of motion including flexion/extension and pronation/supination. Quantitatively, the model was able to accurately reproduce the trends, as well as the magnitudes, of varus resistance observed in the cadaveric specimens. Additionally, magnitudes of ligament tension and joint contact force predicted by the model were able to further elucidate the complex soft-tissue and osseous contributions to varus elbow stability.