Received September 28, 2005
Revised November 24, 2005
Accepted after revision January 2, 2006
Human, Environmental & Exercise [250]
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Integrating Modelling and Experiments to Assess Dynamic Musculoskeletal Function
Justin Wade Fernandez 1*
Marcus Gordon Pandy 1
1 University of Melbourne
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: justinf{at}unimelb.edu.au.
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Abstract |
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Magnetic resonance imaging, bi-plane X-ray fluoroscopy, and biomechanical modelling are enabling technologies for the non-invasive evaluation of muscle, ligament, and joint function during dynamic activity. This paper reviews these various technologies in the context of their application to the study of human movement. We describe how three-dimensional, subject-specific computer models of the muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and bones can be developed from high resolution MR images; how X-ray fluoroscopy can be used to measure the relative movements of the bones at a joint in three dimensions with sub-millimetre accuracy; how complex 3D dynamic simulations of movement can be performed using new computational methods based on nonlinear control theory; and how musculoskeletal forces derived from such simulations can be used as inputs to elaborate finite-element models of a joint to calculate contact stress distributions on a subject-specific basis. A hierarchical modelling approach is highlighted that links rigid-body models of limb segments with detailed finite-element models of the joints. A framework is proposed that integrates subject-specific musculoskeletal computer models with highly accurate in vivo experimental data.
