Specimen specific, 3D modeling of the elbow--prediction of strain in the medial collateral ligament.
In this project 3D interactive models of twelve cadaver elbows are developed using the author's kinematic simulation software. The effective flexion-extension axes for each specimen's model are iteratively defined based upon congruent joint motion and individual limits in range-of-motion. Origins and insertions of both parts of the medial collateral ligament are digitized following careful dissection of each specimen. Ligament paths are then defined using cubic B-spline models of the principal fibers of each part, flexion extension motion of each elbow is carried out in real-time and the strain of each fiber model is calculated. Results indicate the existence of two distinct populations of medial collateral ligament - one whose anterior part stretches during flexion of the elbow and the other whose anterior part stretches during extension.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA. wbuford@utmb.edu
William L
WL
Buford
Joris W
JW
Snijders
Vikas V
VV
Patel
Cody M
CM
Curry
Brian A
BA
Smith
D002102:Cadaver; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013312:Stress, Physiological