3-D Multi-Articular Models of the Carpus

描述（由申请人提供）：在本申请中，我们提出开发人类手腕的复杂的、运动学驱动的计算模型。我们的模型将是革命性的，因为它将是完全三维的（3-D），将包括15个软骨包裹的骨头，以及大多数腕骨韧带。当前的腕部模型在其复杂性和/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，这些数据是针对现有的最大的体内腕关节运动学数据集进行验证的。该模型的开发是我们以前工作的逻辑延伸，其中包括创建和实施新的成像和计算方法，用于体内3-D腕骨运动学的非侵入性测量。它将涉及新方法的改进，以生成复杂腕骨解剖结构的高分辨率数字模型。还将开发用于从微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，以及用于建模约束于围绕骨组织缠绕的韧带纤维路径的新算法。该模型将立即用于正常和病理手腕的生物力学分析。特别是，它将提供迄今为止不可用的洞察个人手腕韧带的作用，以及改变运动学对软骨接触的影响。该模型也将是我们最终目标的重要中间步骤，即开发一个负载驱动的手腕预测计算模型。在该运动驱动模型开发过程中生成的所有骨、软骨和韧带数字解剖结构、运动学数据和机械特性将直接适用于载荷驱动模型。一个复杂的腕关节计算模型有可能彻底改变腕关节研究领域，使研究人员能够探索传统实验方法无法回答的基本问题，并使临床医生能够评估手术技术。该模型将加速发现腕关节的功能以及腕关节功能如何因受伤和手术干预而改变。这些发现将为腕关节疾病和创伤带来新的治疗方法，这些疾病和创伤影响所有年龄段的男性和女性，每年都会造成巨大的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.