-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Quantifying cartilage contact stress is paramount to understanding hip osteoarthritis. Discrete element analysis (DEA) is a computationally efficient method to estimate cartilage contact stresses. Previous applications of DEA have underestimated cartilage stresses and yielded unrealistic contact patterns because they assumed constant cartilage thickness and/or concentric joint geometry. The study objectives were to: (1) develop a DEA model of the hip joint with subject-specific bone and cartilage geometry, (2) validate the DEA model by comparing DEA predictions to those of a validated finite element analysis (FEA) model, and (3) verify both the DEA and FEA models with a linear-elastic boundary value problem. Springs representing cartilage in the DEA model were given lengths equivalent to the sum of acetabular and femoral cartilage thickness and gap distance in the FEA model. Material properties and boundary/loading conditions were equivalent. Walking, descending, and ascending stairs were simulated. Solution times for DEA and FEA models were ∼7s and ∼65min, respectively. Irregular, complex contact patterns predicted by DEA were in excellent agreement with FEA. DEA contact areas were 7.5%, 9.7% and 3.7% less than FEA for walking, descending stairs, and ascending stairs, respectively. DEA models predicted higher peak contact stresses (9.8-13.6MPa) and average contact stresses (3.0-3.7MPa) than FEA (6.2-9.8 and 2.0-2.5MPa, respectively). DEA overestimated stresses due to the absence of the Poisson's effect and a direct contact interface between cartilage layers. Nevertheless, DEA predicted realistic contact patterns when subject-specific bone geometry and cartilage thickness were used. This DEA method may have application as an alternative to FEA for pre-operative planning of joint-preserving surgery such as acetabular reorientation during peri-acetabular osteotomy.
Journal of biomechanics 02/2013; · 2.66 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: An objective measurement technique to quantify 3D femoral head shape was developed and applied to normal subjects and patients with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). 3D reconstructions were made from high-resolution CT images of 15 cam and 15 control femurs. Femoral heads were fit to ideal geometries consisting of rotational conchoids and spheres. Geometric similarity between native femoral heads and ideal shapes was quantified. The maximum distance native femoral heads protruded above ideal shapes and the protrusion area were measured. Conchoids provided a significantly better fit to native femoral head geometry than spheres for both groups. Cam-type FAI femurs had significantly greater maximum deviations (4.99 ± 0.39 mm and 4.08 ± 0.37 mm) than controls (2.41 ± 0.31 mm and 1.75 ± 0.30 mm) when fit to spheres or conchoids, respectively. The area of native femoral heads protruding above ideal shapes was significantly larger in controls when a lower threshold of 0.1 mm (for spheres) and 0.01 mm (for conchoids) was used to define a protrusion. The 3D measurement technique described herein could supplement measurements of radiographs in the diagnosis of cam-type FAI. Deviations up to 2.5 mm from ideal shapes can be expected in normal femurs while deviations of 4-5 mm are characteristic of cam-type FAI.
Annals of biomedical engineering 02/2013; · 2.41 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Advances in computational mechanics, constitutive modeling, and techniques for subject-specific modeling have opened the door to patient-specific simulation of the relationships between joint mechanics and osteoarthritis (OA), as well as patient-specific preoperative planning. This article reviews the application of computational biomechanics to the simulation of joint contact mechanics as relevant to the study of OA. This review begins with background regarding OA and the mechanical causes of OA in the context of simulations of joint mechanics. The broad range of technical considerations in creating validated subject-specific whole joint models is discussed. The types of computational models available for the study of joint mechanics are reviewed. The types of constitutive models that are available for articular cartilage are reviewed, with special attention to choosing an appropriate constitutive model for the application at hand. Issues related to model generation are discussed, including acquisition of model geometry from volumetric image data and specific considerations for acquisition of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data. Approaches to model validation are reviewed. The areas of parametric analysis, factorial design, and probabilistic analysis are reviewed in the context of simulations of joint contact mechanics. Following the review of technical considerations, the article details insights that have been obtained from computational models of joint mechanics for normal joints; patient populations; the study of specific aspects of joint mechanics relevant to OA, such as congruency and instability; and preoperative planning. Finally, future directions for research and application are summarized.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 02/2013; 135(2):021003. · 1.90 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The field of hip preservation surgery has grown substantially over the past decade. Although open hip procedures reportedly relieve pain and restore function, arthroscopic treatment has increasingly become a reasonable alternative. In 2008, we formed a comprehensive hip preservation service (HPS) to address clinical, educational, and research needs. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We compared (1) volume, type, and corresponding improvement in pain and function of open and arthroscopic treatments; (2) orthopaedic resident test performance; and (3) academic productivity before and after creation of the HPS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 212 patients undergoing 220 open procedures from 1996 to 2007 (Group 1) and 260 patients undergoing 298 procedures (153 open, 145 arthroscopic) from 2008 to May 2010 (Group 2). At each clinic visit, we recorded Harris hip score (HHS) and conversion to THA. Minimum followup was 1 year for Group 1 (mean, 4 years; range, 1-13 years) and Group 2 (mean, 1.5 years; range, 1-3 years). We compared orthopaedic resident performance on two standardized tests and the number of academic works (publications, book chapters, electronic media) and peer-reviewed grants funded before and after creation of the HPS. RESULTS: Mean HHS improved from 63 to 90 in Group 1 and from 76 to 91 in Group 2. Rate of conversion to THA was similar between groups despite expansion of surgical volume. Standardized orthopaedic resident test performance improved. Academic productivity as measured by publications and grant funding was facilitated by the HPS. CONCLUSIONS: Early experience with a multidisciplinary HPS was positive; it facilitated clinical volume expansion while maintaining improvement in pain and function in young adults. Additional benefits included educational and academic productivity gains. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 08/2012; · 2.53 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) is used to determine ankle alignment. The mortise view is the standard to measure MDTA, but the hindfoot alignment view (HAV) has become popular. The MDTA may vary between views, influencing the choice of surgery.
The MDTA was compared between the mortise and HAV in 146 ankles. MDTA was correlated to age and sagittal tibial tilt for each view. Differences in MDTA by gender and ethnicity were assessed. Diagnostic agreement (varus, valgus, normal) between views was calculated. Clinical assessment of alignment was determined and percent agreement between clinical and radiographic alignment was quantified.
The MDTA measured from the mortise view and HAV radiographs was 89.0 (range, 81 to 96 degrees; SD = 2.8) degrees and 86.0 (range, 73 to 95 degrees; SD = 3.5) degrees, respectively. The MDTA was comparable for both genders for mortise (p = 0.356) and HAV (p = 0.621). The MDTA was comparable in all ethnic groups for mortise view (p = 0.616) and HAV (p = 0.916). Correlation between the measured MDTA and age was not statistically significant for both the mortise (r = 0.118; p = 0.158) and HAV (r = 0.148; p = 0.074). In only 47.3% of all ankles was the radiographic diagnosis of alignment the same between views. Agreement between clinical and radiographic classifications was 60.3% for the mortise view and 52.8% for the HAV.
Substantial disagreement in primary alignment was found between the mortise and HAV as quantified by the MDTA. Agreement between clinical and radiographic alignment was also poor.
Advanced imaging such as CT or MRI may better describe ankle alignment.
The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 08/2012; 33(8):655-61. · 1.22 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Acetabular retroversion may result in anterior acetabular over-coverage and posterior deficiency. It is unclear how standard radiographic measures of retroversion relate to measurements from 3D models, generated from volumetric CT data. We sought to: (1) compare 2D radiographic measurements between patients with acetabular retroversion and normal control subjects, (2) compare 3D measurements of total and regional femoral head coverage between patients and controls, and (3) quantify relationships between radiographic measurements of acetabular retroversion to total and regional coverage of the femoral head.
For 16 patients and 18 controls we measured the extrusion index, crossover ratio, acetabular angle, acetabular index, lateral center edge angle, and a new measurement termed the "posterior wall distance". 3D femoral coverage was determined from volumetric CT data using objectively defined acetabular rim projections, head-neck junctions, and 4 anatomic regions. For radiographic measurements, intra-observer and inter-observer reliabilities were evaluated and associations between 2D radiographic and 3D model-based measures were determined.
Compared to control subjects, patients with acetabular retroversion had a negative posterior wall distance, increased extrusion index, and smaller lateral center edge angle. Differences in the acetabular index between groups approached statistical significance. The acetabular angle was similar between groups. Acetabular retroversion was associated with a slight but statistically significant increase in anterior acetabular coverage, especially in the anterolateral region. Retroverted hips had substantially less posterior coverage, especially in the posterolateral region.
We found that a number of 2D radiographic measures of acetabular morphology were correlated with 3D model-based measures of total and regional femoral head coverage. These correlations may be used to assist in the diagnosis of retroversion and for preoperative planning.
Acta Orthopaedica 05/2012; 83(3):233-9. · 2.17 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Our objectives were to determine cartilage contact stress during walking, stair climbing, and descending stairs in a well-defined group of normal volunteers and to assess variations in contact stress and area among subjects and across loading scenarios. Ten volunteers without history of hip pain or disease with normal lateral center-edge angle and acetabular index were selected. Computed tomography imaging with contrast was performed on one hip. Bone and cartilage surfaces were segmented from volumetric image data, and subject-specific finite element models were constructed and analyzed using a validated protocol. Acetabular contact stress and area were determined for seven activities. Peak stress ranged from 7.52±2.11 MPa for heel-strike during walking (233% BW) to 8.66 ± 3.01 MPa for heel-strike during descending stairs (261% BW). Average contact area across all activities was 34% of the surface area of the acetabular cartilage. The distribution of contact stress was highly non-uniform, and more variability occurred among subjects for a given activity than among activities for a single subject. The magnitude and area of contact stress were consistent between activities, although inter-activity shifts in contact pattern were found as the direction of loading changed. Relatively small incongruencies between the femoral and acetabular cartilage had a large effect on the contact stresses. These effects tended to persist across all simulated activities. These results demonstrate the diversity and trends in cartilage contact stress in healthy hips during activities of daily living and provide a basis for future comparisons between normal and pathologic hips.
Journal of Orthopaedic Research 12/2011; 30(7):1133-9. · 2.81 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Total ankle replacement has become an increasingly popular treatment for patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The surgery is technically demanding and generally performed by only experienced foot and ankle surgeons. An important complication of total ankle replacement is malposition of the talar component. The biomechanical effect of malposition has been reported; however, the functional outcomes of patients with varying degrees of talar component malposition have not. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of talar component malposition on postoperative pain relief and functional outcome.
This retrospective cohort study included 317 total ankle replacements in 317 patients. The anteroposterior offset ratio was measured with use of lateral ankle radiographs made with the patient in a standing, weight-bearing position. Patients were classified into one of three groups: those with an anteroposterior offset ratio of 0 (127 ankles), those with a ratio of >0 (103 ankles), and those with a ratio of <0 (eighty-seven ankles). Postoperative pain relief was assessed with use of a visual analogue scale. Functional outcome was assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score and measurement of ankle range of motion. The mean duration of follow-up (and standard deviation) was 53.2 ± 18.4 months (range, twenty-four to ninety-eight months).
The postoperative pain level in the group with an anteroposterior offset ratio of 0 was significantly lower than that for both the group with a ratio of >0 (p < 0.001) and the group with a ratio of <0 (p = 0.017). Also, the functional outcome, measured with use of the AOFAS hindfoot score, was significantly higher, and ankle motion was significantly greater, in the group with an anteroposterior offset ratio of 0 than in the group with a ratio of >0 (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively) and the group with a ratio of <0 (p = 0.007 and p = 0.080).
The anteroposterior offset ratio may be a useful predictor of outcome in patients with total ankle replacement with regard to both pain and function. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 11/2011; 93(21):1969-78. · 3.27 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Lateral offset center of rotation (COR) reduces the incidence of scapular notching and potentially increases external rotation range of motion (ROM) after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical effects of changing COR on abduction and external rotation ROM, deltoid abduction force, and joint stability.
A biomechanical shoulder simulator tested cadaveric shoulders before and after rTSA. Spacers shifted the COR laterally from baseline rTSA by 5, 10, and 15 mm. Outcome measures of resting abduction and external rotation ROM, and abduction and dislocation (lateral and anterior) forces were recorded.
Resting abduction increased 20° vs native shoulders and was unaffected by COR lateralization. External rotation decreased after rTSA and was unaffected by COR lateralization. The deltoid force required for abduction significantly decreased 25% from native to baseline rTSA. COR lateralization progressively eliminated this mechanical advantage. Lateral dislocation required significantly less force than anterior dislocation after rTSA, and both dislocation forces increased with lateralization of the COR.
COR lateralization had no influence on ROM (adduction or external rotation) but significantly increased abduction and dislocation forces. This suggests the lower incidence of scapular notching may not be related to the amount of adduction deficit after lateral offset rTSA but may arise from limited impingement of the humeral component on the lateral scapula due to a change in joint geometry. Lateralization provides the benefit of increased joint stability, but at the cost of increasing deltoid abduction forces.
Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery / American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons ... [et al.] 10/2011; 21(9):1128-35. · 1.93 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement may be greater in athletes than in the general population because of increased loading of the hip during sports. This study evaluated the radiographs of collegiate football players in order to quantify the prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic athletes.
Sixty-seven male collegiate football players (age, 21 ± 1.9 years) participated in this prospective study. Both hips (n = 134) were evaluated independently by two orthopaedic surgeons for radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement. The alpha angle and femoral head-neck offset were measured on frog-leg lateral radiographs. The lateral center-edge angle, acetabular index, crossover sign, and alpha angle were measured on anteroposterior radiographs. Data for continuous variables were averaged between observers prior to assessing prevalence. Cam femoroacetabular impingement was considered to be present if the femoral head-neck offset was <8 mm and/or the alpha angle was >50° on either radiograph. Pincer femoroacetabular impingement was considered to be present if the lateral center-edge angle was >40°, the acetabular index was <0°, and/or a positive crossover sign was detected by both observers.
Ninety-five percent of the 134 hips had at least one sign of cam or pincer impingement, and 77% had more than one sign. Twenty-one percent had only one sign of cam femoroacetabular impingement and 57% had both signs. Fifty-two percent had only one sign of pincer femoroacetabular impingement, 10% had two, and 4% had all three signs. Specifically, 72% had an abnormal alpha angle, 64% had a decreased femoral head-neck offset, 61% had a positive crossover sign, 16% had a decreased acetabular index, and 7% had an increased lateral center-edge angle. Fifty percent of all hips had at least one sign of pincer femoroacetabular impingement and at least one sign of cam impingement. Interobserver and intraobserver repeatability was moderate or better for each measure (range, 0.59 to 0.85).
Morphologic abnormalities associated with cam and pincer femoroacetabular impingement were common in these collegiate football players. The prevalence of cam and pincer femoroacetabular impingement was substantially higher than the previously reported prevalence in the general population.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 10/2011; 93(19):e111(1-10). · 3.27 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Obesity is a growing problem in Europe and the United States. While obesity has been linked to poor outcomes after total knee or hip replacement, there are no data addressing outcomes in obese patients who underwent total ankle replacement (TAR).
This retrospective chart review included 118 patients (123 ankles) with a minimum body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 who underwent TAR between May 2000 and June 2008. There were 61 male (51.7%) and 57 female (48.3%) patients with a mean age of 59.8 +/- 11.6 years (range, 25.4 to 85.0). All patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively (mean followup 67.7 +/- 27.0 months; range, 29 to 126). Radiological outcomes were assessed using standardized weightbearing radiographs. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale.
There were nine intraoperative complications. All patients experienced significant pain relief (VAS change from 7.0 +/- 1.7 to 1.4 +/- 1.1, p < 0.001) and functional improvement (AOFAS score change from 35.4 +/- 14.9 to 75.4 +/- 9.6, p < 0.001; total ROM change from 26.9 +/- 13.7 to 35.3 +/- 8.1 degrees, p < 0.001). BMI measured preoperatively, and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively was 32.9 +/- 2.5 (range, 30.0 to 40.0) kg/m2, 32.4 +/- 2.4 (range, 28.6 to 41.0) kg/m2, and 32.2 +/- 2.4 (range, 28.6 to 40.5) kg/m2, respectively. Gender had a significant effect on weight loss, but not age or postoperative sports activity. Revision surgery was performed in six patients, resulting in a 6-year survivorship of 93%.
Our findings confirm that TAR gives significant pain relief and functional improvement. In this study, the survivorship of the prosthesis components was comparable to the results obtained in non-obese patients.
The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 10/2011; 32(10):925-32. · 1.22 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The relatively high incidence of labral tears among patients presenting with hip pain suggests that the acetabular labrum is often subjected to injurious loading in vivo. However, it is unclear whether the labrum participates in load transfer across the joint during activities of daily living. This study examined the role of the acetabular labrum in load transfer for hips with normal acetabular geometry and acetabular dysplasia using subject-specific finite element analysis. Models were generated from volumetric CT data and analyzed with and without the labrum during activities of daily living. The labrum in the dysplastic model supported 4-11% of the total load transferred across the joint, while the labrum in the normal model supported only 1-2% of the total load. Despite the increased load transferred to the acetabular cartilage in simulations without the labrum, there were minimal differences in cartilage contact stresses. This was because the load supported by the cartilage correlated with the cartilage contact area. A higher percentage of load was transferred to the labrum in the dysplastic model because the femoral head achieved equilibrium near the lateral edge of the acetabulum. The results of this study suggest that the labrum plays a larger role in load transfer and joint stability in hips with acetabular dysplasia than in hips with normal acetabular geometry.
Journal of biomechanics 08/2011; 44(12):2201-6. · 2.66 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: No clear recommendations exist regarding optimal humeral component version and deltoid tension in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).
A biomechanical shoulder simulator tested humeral versions (0°, 10°, 20° retroversion) and implant thicknesses (-3, 0, +3 mm from baseline) after reverse TSA in human cadavers. Abduction and external rotation ranges of motion as well as abduction and dislocation forces were quantified for native arms and arms implanted with 9 combinations of humeral version and implant thickness.
Resting abduction angles increased significantly (up to 30°) after reverse TSA compared with native shoulders. With constant posterior cuff loads, native arms externally rotated 20°, whereas no external rotation occurred in implanted arms (20° net internal rotation). Humeral version did not affect rotational range of motion but did alter resting abduction. Abduction forces decreased 30% vs native shoulders but did not change when version or implant thickness was altered. Humeral center of rotation was shifted 17 mm medially and 12 mm inferiorly after implantation. The force required for lateral dislocation was 60% less than anterior and was not affected by implant thickness or version.
Reverse TSA reduced abduction forces compared with native shoulders and resulted in limited external rotation and abduction ranges of motion. Because abduction force was reduced for all implants, the choice of humeral version and implant thickness should focus on range of motion. Lateral dislocation forces were less than anterior forces; thus, levering and inferior/posterior impingement may be a more probable basis for dislocation (laterally) than anteriorly directed forces.
Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery / American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons ... [et al.] 04/2011; 21(4):483-90. · 1.93 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The optimum treatment for the young adult patient with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement due predominately to acetabular retroversion remains unknown. The retroversion deformity can be associated with a volumetrically deficient or sufficient acetabulum based on the adequacy of lateral and posterior coverage. We prospectively collected clinical data from 2001 to 2006 on 60 hips with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement that had radiographic evidence of acetabular retroversion defined as a crossover sign on an adequate anteroposterior radiograph or retroversion on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Our treatment algorithm for acetabular retroversion used measurements of acetabular coverage (lateral center edge angle and the posterior wall sign) and condition of acetabular cartilage to direct treatment of acetabular retroversion. The algorithm directed the surgeon to perform a periacetabular osteotomy in 30 hips and a surgical dislocation and osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction and acetabular rim in 30 hips. Harris Hip Score improved from 52 to 90 in the hips treated with surgical dislocation and osteochondroplasty and 72 to 91 in the hips treated with periacetabular osteotomy, with an overall survivorship of 96% at 4 years. Patient follow-up averaged 46 months (range, 24-75 months). Elimination of the crossover sign and correction of the posterior wall sign occurred in >90% of all patients when present. The results indicate that hips with acetabular retroversion, deficient posterior and/or lateral acetabular coverage, and intact hyaline cartilage can be effectively treated with acetabular reorientation, while retroverted hips with anterior overcoverage but sufficient posterior coverage are effectively treated with osteochondroplasty of the acetabulum and proximal femur.
Orthopedics 01/2011; 34(1):10. · 2.66 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To prospectively quantify the accuracy of hip cartilage thickness estimated from three-dimensional (3D) surfaces, generated by segmenting multidetector computed tomographic (CT) arthrograms by using direct physical measurements of cartilage thickness as the reference standard.
Four fresh-frozen cadaver hip joints from two male donors, ages 43 and 46 years, were obtained; institutional review board approval for cadaver research was also obtained. Sixteen holes were drilled perpendicular to the cartilage of four cadaveric acetabula (two specimens). Hip capsules were surgically closed, injected with contrast material, and scanned by using multidetector CT. After scanning, 5.3-mmcores were harvested concentrically at each drill hole and cartilage thickness was measured with a microscope. Cartilage was reconstructed in 3D by using commercial software. Segmentations were repeated by two authors. Reconstructed cartilage thickness was determined by using a published algorithm. Bland-Altman plots and linear regression were used to assess accuracy. Repeatability was quantified by using the coefficient of variation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), repeatability coefficient, and percentage variability.
Cartilage was reconstructed to a bias of -0.13 mm and a repeatability coefficient of + or - 0.46 mm. Regression of the scatterplots indicated a tendency for multidetector CT to overestimate thickness. Intra- and interobserver repeatability were very good. For intraobserver correlation, the coefficient of variation was 14.80%, the ICC was 0.88, the repeatability coefficient was 0.55 mm, and the percentage variability was 11.77%. For interobserver correlation, the coefficient of variation was 13.47%, the ICC was 0.90, the repeatability coefficient was 0.52 mm, and the percentage variability was 11.63%.
Assuming that an accuracy of approximately + or - 0.5 mm is sufficient, reconstructions of cartilage geometry from multidetector CT arthrographic data could be used as a preoperative surgical planning tool.
Radiology 05/2010; 255(2):544-52. · 5.73 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Computational models may have the ability to quantify the relationship between hip morphology, cartilage mechanics and osteoarthritis. Most models have assumed the hip joint to be a perfect ball and socket joint and have neglected deformation at the bone-cartilage interface. The objective of this study was to analyze finite element (FE) models of hip cartilage mechanics with varying degrees of simplified geometry and a model with a rigid bone material assumption to elucidate the effects on predictions of cartilage stress. A previously validated subject-specific FE model of a cadaveric hip joint was used as the basis for the models. Geometry for the bone-cartilage interface was either: (1) subject-specific (i.e. irregular), (2) spherical, or (3) a rotational conchoid. Cartilage was assigned either a varying (irregular) or constant thickness (smoothed). Loading conditions simulated walking, stair-climbing and descending stairs. FE predictions of contact stress for the simplified models were compared with predictions from the subject-specific model. Both spheres and conchoids provided a good approximation of native hip joint geometry (average fitting error approximately 0.5mm). However, models with spherical/conchoid bone geometry and smoothed articulating cartilage surfaces grossly underestimated peak and average contact pressures (50% and 25% lower, respectively) and overestimated contact area when compared to the subject-specific FE model. Models incorporating subject-specific bone geometry with smoothed articulating cartilage also underestimated pressures and predicted evenly distributed patterns of contact. The model with rigid bones predicted much higher pressures than the subject-specific model with deformable bones. The results demonstrate that simplifications to the geometry of the bone-cartilage interface, cartilage surface and bone material properties can have a dramatic effect on the predicted magnitude and distribution of cartilage contact pressures in the hip joint.
Journal of biomechanics 02/2010; 43(7):1351-7. · 2.66 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Methods to predict contact stresses in the hip can provide an improved understanding of load distribution in the normal and pathologic joint. The objectives of this study were to develop and validate a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model for predicting cartilage contact stresses in the human hip using subject-specific geometry from computed tomography image data, and to assess the sensitivity of model predictions to boundary conditions, cartilage geometry, and cartilage material properties. Loads based on in vivo data were applied to a cadaveric hip joint to simulate walking, descending stairs, and stair-climbing. Contact pressures and areas were measured using pressure sensitive film. CT image data were segmented and discretized into FE meshes of bone and cartilage. FE boundary and loading conditions mimicked the experimental testing. Fair to good qualitative correspondence was obtained between FE predictions and experimental measurements for simulated walking and descending stairs, while excellent agreement was obtained for stair-climbing. Experimental peak pressures, average pressures, and contact areas were 10.0 MPa (limit of film detection), 4.4-5.0 MPa, and 321.9-425.1 mm(2), respectively, while FE-predicted peak pressures, average pressures, and contact areas were 10.8-12.7 MPa, 5.1-6.2 MPa, and 304.2-366.1 mm(2), respectively. Misalignment errors, determined as the difference in root mean squared error before and after alignment of FE results, were less than 10%. Magnitude errors, determined as the residual error following alignment, were approximately 30% but decreased to 10-15% when the regions of highest pressure were compared. Alterations to the cartilage shear modulus, bulk modulus, or thickness resulted in +/-25% change in peak pressures, while changes in average pressures and contact areas were minor (+/-10%). When the pelvis and proximal femur were represented as rigid, there were large changes, but the effect depended on the particular loading scenario. Overall, the subject-specific FE predictions compared favorably with pressure film measurements and were in good agreement with published experimental data. The validated modeling framework provides a foundation for development of patient-specific FE models to investigate the mechanics of normal and pathological hips.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 11/2008; 130(5):051008. · 1.90 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To prospectively assess in a phantom the reconstruction errors and detection limits of cartilage thickness measurements obtained with multidetector computed tomographic (CT) arthrography, as a function of contrast agent concentration, scanning direction, spatial resolution, joint spacing, and tube current, with known measurements as the reference standard.
A phantom with nine chambers was constructed. Each chamber had a nylon cylinder encased by sleeves of aluminum and polycarbonate to simulate trabecular bone, cortical bone, and cartilage. Varying simulated cartilage thicknesses and 10 joint space widths were assessed. On 3 days, the phantom was scanned with and without contrast agent administration and with the chamber axes both perpendicular and parallel to the scanner axis. Images were reconstructed at 1.0- and 0.5-mm intervals. Contrast agent concentration and tube current were varied. The simulated cartilage thickness was determined by using image segmentation. Root mean squared errors and mean residual errors were used to characterize the measurements. The reproducibility of the CT scanner and image segmentation results was determined.
Simulated cartilage greater than 1.0 mm in thickness was reconstructed with less than 10% error when either no contrast agent or a low concentration (25%) of contrast agent was used. Error increased as contrast agent concentration increased. Decreasing the simulated joint space width to 0.5 mm caused slight increases in error; however, error increased substantially at joint spaces narrower than 0.5 mm. Errors in measurements derived from anisotropic CT data were greater than errors in measurements derived from isotropic data. Altering the tube current did not substantially affect reconstruction errors.
The study revealed lower boundaries and the repeatability of simulated cartilage thickness measurements obtained by using multidetector CT arthrography and yielded data pertinent to choosing the contrast agent concentration, joint space width, scanning direction, and spatial resolution to reduce reconstruction errors.
Radiology 02/2008; 246(1):133-41. · 5.73 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Computational techniques and software for the analysis of problems in mechanics have naturally moved from their origins in the traditional engineering disciplines to the study of cell, tissue and organ biomechanics. Increasingly complex models have been developed to describe and predict the mechanical behavior of such biological systems. While the availability of advanced computational tools has led to exciting research advances in the field, the utility of these models is often the subject of criticism due to inadequate model verification and validation (V&V). The objective of this review is to present the concepts of verification, validation and sensitivity studies with regard to the construction, analysis and interpretation of models in computational biomechanics. Specific examples from the field are discussed. It is hoped that this review will serve as a guide to the use of V&V principles in the field of computational biomechanics, thereby improving the peer acceptance of studies that use computational modeling techniques.
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 06/2007; 10(3):171-84. · 0.85 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: A better understanding of the three-dimensional mechanics of the pelvis, at the patient-specific level, may lead to improved treatment modalities. Although finite element (FE) models of the pelvis have been developed, validation by direct comparison with subject-specific strains has not been performed, and previous models used simplifying assumptions regarding geometry and material properties. The objectives of this study were to develop and validate a realistic FE model of the pelvis using subject-specific estimates of bone geometry, location-dependent cortical thickness and trabecular bone elastic modulus, and to assess the sensitivity of FE strain predictions to assumptions regarding cortical bone thickness as well as bone and cartilage material properties. A FE model of a cadaveric pelvis was created using subject-specific computed tomography image data. Acetabular loading was applied to the same pelvis using a prosthetic femoral stem in a fashion that could be easily duplicated in the computational model. Cortical bone strains were monitored with rosette strain gauges in ten locations on the left hemipelvis. FE strain predictions were compared directly with experimental results for validation. Overall, baseline FE predictions were strongly correlated with experimental results (r2=0.824), with a best-fit line that was not statistically different than the line y=x (experimental strains = FE predicted strains). Changes to cortical bone thickness and elastic modulus had the largest effect on cortical bone strains. The FE model was less sensitive to changes in all other parameters. The methods developed and validated in this study will be useful for creating and analyzing patient-specific FE models to better understand the biomechanics of the pelvis.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 07/2005; 127(3):364-73. · 1.90 Impact Factor
