Behaviour of healthy versus symptomatic diarthrodial joints

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Diarthrodial joints are the site of articulation of two bones against each other (e.g. knee, hip and shoulder). The integrity of diarthrodial joints is an important factor for maintaining healthy lifestyles for individuals. There are different passive load bearing components for diarthrodial joints. Ligaments limit the allowed relative motions between the bones and act as sensors for excessive joint deformations. Articular cartilage transfers the compressive load between the two articulating surfaces. The fluid of the joint helps maintain a very low coefficient of friction and finally peripheral structures (meniscus, glenoid labrum and acetabular labrum in the knee, shoulder and hip respectively) confine the joint and enhance load bearing across the joint. The current proposal is divided into two subgroups. The first is the study of the mechanical properties of and the structural requirements for the healthy components of diarthrodial joints and comparing them with those of symptomatic ones. The dependence of the mechanical properties on age will also be investigated. The design and repair criteria for different diarthrodial joints components will be examined. The second subgroup is the study of the global behaviour of different healthy versus unhealthy joints. Numerical modelling will be conducted via finite element analysis software. The geometry will be imported using digital image analysis software that are capable of transferring stacks of two dimensional images into three dimensional objects. The role of the different components in load transmission across healthy versus symptomatic joints will be investigated. The location and magnitude of the contact pressure between articulating surfaces will be analyzed. The dependence of the results on the ranges of material properties available in the literature will be studied to understand the repeatability of the results. The mechanics governing the load transmission and the health and stability of such joints will be evaluated. The long term objective of the project is to be able to reach to a level where computational mechanics can be effectively used to aid the diagnosis and repair recommendations for patient specific cases.