Validation of a finite element model of the human elbow for determining cartilage contact mechanics

Willing, Ryan T.; Lalone, Emily A.; Shannon, Hannah; Johnson, James A.; King, Graham J. W.

Affiliations

¹Bioengineering Research Laboratory, The Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

It is important to study joint contact mechanics to better understand the processes which lead to cartilage degradation. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a finite element (FE) model of a human elbow capable of predicting joint contact area and stress. A cylindrical constrained elbow joint loading apparatus was used to measure the cartilage compression and contact area for a single cadaveric specimen. A computer model of the same joint was created based on computed tomography images of the specimen, and the same loading was simulated using FE contact analysis. The model-predicted joint compression and contact area corresponded closely with experiment-measured results (differences of −4.9% and +9.6%). A sensitivity analysis showed that the model results were sensitive to cartilage and bone material properties, as well as the cartilage thickness distribution. The results of this study underline the importance of using accurate material properties and physiological cartilage thickness distributions when simulating cartilage contact mechanics.

Links

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2013.04.001

PubMed: 23664239

WoS: 000321422400024

History

Accepted: 2013-04-8

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Cited By (13)

Year	Entry
2016	Morales-Orcajo E, Bayod J, Barbosa de Las Casas E. Computational foot modeling: scope and applications. Arch Comput Methods Eng. September 2016;23(3):389-416.
2023	Kahmann SL, Sas A, Große Hokamp N, van Lenthe GH, Müller L-P, Wegmann K. A combined experimental and finite element analysis of the human elbow under loads of daily living. J Biomech. September 2023;158:111766.
2016	Robinson DL, Kersh ME, Walsh NC, Ackland DC, de Steiger RN, Pandy MG. Mechanical properties of normal and osteoarthritic human articular cartilage. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. August 2016;61:96-109.
2015	Robinson DL. Mechanical Properties of Normal and Osteoarthritic Human Articular Cartilage [PhD thesis]. University of Melbourne; 2015.
2014	Razfar N. Finite Element Modeling of the Proximal Humerus to Compare Stemless, Short and Standard Stem Humeral Components of Varying Material Stiffness for Shoulder Arthroplasty [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2014.
2015	Khayat A. Effect of Hemiarthroplasty Implant Contact Geometry and Material on Early Cartilage Wear [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2015.
2016	DeDecker S. The Efficacy of Bionate as an Articulating Surface for Joint Hemiarthroplasty [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2016.
2016	Gammon BM. Arthrokinematics of the Distal Radioulnar Joint in the Normal Wrist and Following Distal Radius Malunion [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2016.
2018	Reeves JM. An in-Silico Assessment of Stemless Shoulder Arthroplasty: From CT to Predicted Bone Response [PhD thesis]. London, ON: Western University; 2018.
2018	Synnott S. The Effect of Implant Girth and Implant Collar on the Degree of Bone to Implant Contact and Bone Stresses in the Proximal Humerus [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2018.
2020	Berkmortel C. Lower Stiffness Orthopaedic Implants for Hemiarthroplasty [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2020.
2020	Padmore CE. A Biomechanical Investigation Into the Effect of Experimental Design on Wrist Biomechanics and Contact Mechanics [PhD thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2020.
2020	Szmit J. An Investigation on the Influences of Radial Head Hemiarthroplasty Stem Fixation Techniques on Articular Mechanics [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2020.