title: Development of a Computational Elbow Model with Experimental Validation of Kinematics and Muscle Forces.
abstract: A computational elbow joint model was developed with a main goal of providing complimentary data to experimental results. The computational model was developed and validated using an experimental elbow joint phantom consisting of a linked total joint replacement. An established in-vitro motion simulator was used to actively flex/extend the experimental elbow in multiple orientations. Muscle forces predicted by the computational model were similar to the experimental model in 4 out of the 5 orientations with errors less than 7.5 N. Valgus angle kinematics were in agreement with differences less than 2.3°. In addition, changes in radial head length, a clinically relevant condition following elbow reconstruction, were simulated in both models and compared. Both lengthening and shortening of the radial head prosthesis altered muscle forces by less than 3.5 N in both models, and valgus angles agreed within 1°. The computational model proved valuable in cross validation with the experimental model, elucidating important limitations in the in-vitro motion simulator's controller. With continued development, the computational model can be a complimentary tool to experimental studies by providing additional noninvasive outcome measurements.
authors.affiliation: Roth|McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, Surgical Mechatronics Laboratory, St. Josephs Health Care, London, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kusins
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Willing
authors.forename: Graham J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Louis M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ferreira
mesh_terms: D057929:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Elbow; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D058569:Elbow Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D011884:Radius / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*