Characterization of In-Vivo Knee Joint Dynamic Function and Cartilage Behaviour

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Normal healthy articular cartilage functions to distribute forces between joint surfaces and provide low friction movement. Healthy cartilage homeostasis is maintained by the tissue's ability to continuously adapt its structure and biology to its mechanical environment. Both removal of joint loading and excessive loading initiate degenerative processes in cartilage. Maintaining cartilage health is speculated to require an “optimal range” of joint mechanics. However, the magnitude and variability of this optimal in-vivo loading range across individuals is not well established. ******The long-term research program objectives are to (i) advance understanding of mechanisms of human joint dynamics and joint tissue function in healthy in-vivo conditions, and (ii) develop and implement techniques for detecting and monitoring in-vivo changes in these mechanisms over the lifespan. This work is important because there is a lack of tools and techniques to enable detailed understanding of factors contributing to maintaining healthy human joint cartilage composition and dynamic function. ***Specific goals focus on developing new methodologies and determining: i) in-vivo dynamic knee joint stability and neuromouscular control during a single leg squat or swing, ii) load recovery response in patellar, femoral and tibial cartilage, and iii) relations amongst joint contact load, congruence and cartilage surface contact kinematics during walking. Relations to cartilage composition (T2 values) and joint congruence and sex are assessed. ******This work will use the unique and internationally leading capabilities of this group to provide novel approaches for the non-invasive determination of healthy in-vivo knee joint mechanics. This research program is one of the first to address healthy knee joint mechanics and function to yield important insights into factors involved with in-vivo human dynamic joint movements, forces, cartilage contact, muscular activations, and joint morphology. Advanced knowledge and technology will be developed in biomechanics, image reconstruction, joint modeling, and stability analyses. Students will be trained in interdisciplinary fields with a focus on critical thinking, background knowledge and practical skills engineering and science such as instrumentation, medical imaging, biomechanics, and computational modelling.******Linking tissue characterization with dynamic joint function assessment provides further technologies within the joint health characterization toolkit under development. Providing insights into the role of joint biomechanics in maintaining healthy cartilage homeostasis will enable informed recommendations to maintain cartilage health across the lifespan, improve joint replacement biomaterials, and accelerate development of diagnostic tools for disease conditions and rehabilitation protocols.