3-D Multi-Articular Models of the Carpus

描述(由申请人提供)：在本申请中，我们建议开发一个复杂的、运动学驱动的人类手腕计算模型。我们的模型将是革命性的，因为它将是完全三维的(3-D)，并将包括15个软骨包裹的骨骼，以及大多数腕关节韧带。目前的手腕模型在其复杂性和/或范围方面受到限制。我们的模型将由特定于受试者的运动学数据驱动，并与现存的最大规模的活体腕部运动学数据进行验证。这一模型的开发是我们之前工作的合理扩展，我们之前的工作包括创建和实施新的成像和计算方法，用于活体非侵入性测量三维腕骨运动学。它将涉及改进新的方法，以生成复杂的腕骨解剖的高分辨率数字模型。还将开发用于从微型计算机断层图像生成软骨和韧带形态图的新工具的创建和验证，用于计算软骨表面变形的新算法，以及用于模拟韧带纤维路径的新算法，该算法被约束为缠绕在骨隆起周围。该模型将立即用于分析正常和病理腕关节的生物力学。特别是，它将提供迄今为止无法获得的关于单个腕韧带的作用的洞察力，以及改变的运动学对软骨接触的影响。该模型也将是我们开发负荷驱动的、可预测的腕部计算模型的最终目标的重要中间步骤。在这个运动学驱动模型的开发过程中产生的所有骨骼、软骨和韧带的数字解剖、运动学数据和力学特性将直接适用于负载驱动模型。复杂的手腕计算模型有可能彻底改变手腕研究领域，使研究人员能够探索传统实验方法无法回答的基本问题，允许临床医生评估手术技术。该模型将加速发现手腕是如何功能的，以及手腕功能是如何因损伤和手术干预而改变的。这些发现将为手腕疾病和创伤带来新的治疗方法，这些疾病影响到所有年龄段的男性和女性，并导致每年的巨额医疗费用和生产力损失。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this application we propose to develop a sophisticated, kinematic-driven computational model of the human wrist. Our model will be revolutionary in that it will be fully three-dimensional (3-D), and will include fifteen cartilage-wrapped bones, as well as most carpal ligaments. Current models of the wrist are limited in their sophistication and/or scope. Our model will be driven by subject-specific kinematic data validated against the largest collection of in vivo wrist kinematic data in existence. Development of this model is the logical extension of our previous work which involved the creation and implementation of novel imaging and computational methodologies for the noninvasive measurement of 3-D carpal bone kinematics in vivo. It will involve the refinement of new methodologies to generate high-resolution digital models of the intricate carpal anatomy. The creation and validation of new tools for generating morphological maps of cartilage and ligaments from micro-computed tomograpic images, a novel algorithm for computing cartilage surface deformations, and a novel algorithm for modeling ligament fiber paths constrained to wrap around bony prominences will also be developed. The model will be immediately useful for analyzing the biomechanics of the normal and pathological wrist. In particular, it will provide heretofore unavailable insight into the role of individual wrist ligaments, as well as the implications of altered kinematics on cartilage contact. The model will also be an important intermediate step in our ultimate goal to develop a load-driven, predictive computational model of the wrist. All the bony, cartilage and ligamentous digital anatomy, kinematic data, and mechanical properties generated in the development of this kinematic-driven model will be directly applicable to a load-driven model. A sophisticated computational model of the wrist has the potential to completely transform the field of wrist research, allowing researchers to explore basic questions that could not be answered with traditional experimental methods, and clinicians to evaluate surgical techniques. The model will hasten discovery of how the wrist functions and how wrist function is altered by injury and surgical intervention. These discoveries will lead to new treatments for wrist disease and trauma, which affect men and women of all ages, and account for significant medical expenses and lost productivity each year.