title: A neuromusculoskeletal model of the elbow joint for pre-clinical testing of total elbow replacement.
abstract: In this study, the effect of changing the geometry of the elbow joint was examined using a neuromusculoskeletal model. The position of the center of the joint was altered in order to simulate aseptic loosing or misalignment of the humeral component of a total elbow replacement. The effect of this change on model parameters, including the muscle moment arm and maximum wrist force, was examined. An isometric contraction with increasing voluntary drive was then simulated for a range of joint center positions, and the resulting joint reaction forces, and the direction of the force vectors were monitored. A change in the maximum force, measured at the wrist (17% - elbow flexion, 28% - extension), and in joint reaction force (up to 145N) was observed when the position of the joint center was altered. In addition, slight changes (up to 4.45 degrees ) in the direction of the joint reaction force vector were also observed.
authors.affiliation: School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, University College Dublin. emer.doheny@ucd.ie
authors.forename: Emer P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Doheny
authors.forename: Madeleine M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Lowery
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: FitzPatrick
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: O'Malley
mesh_terms: D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004550:Elbow; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008422:Materials Testing; D008954:Models, Biological; D009132:Muscles / Q000473:pathology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical