Development of Automated Techniques for Modelling Cartilage Morphology and Mechanics

软骨形态和力学建模自动化技术的发展

• 批准号: RGPIN-2022-05410
• 负责人: Johnston, James
• 金额: $ 3.35万
• 依托单位: University of Saskatchewan
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=760198
• 关键词: Development; Automated; Techniques; Modelling; Cartilage

PROPOSAL MOTIVATION: Our research group develops subject-specific finite element models of bone, soft tissue and joints. These models employ clinical imaging tools (like CT and MRI) to define tissue geometry and material properties. Using these tools, we recently observed marked differences in bone stress between people affected with knee osteoarthritis, a debilitating joint disease, and individuals with healthy knees. These findings led to a collaboration with researchers from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) to study bone stress and strain in 2100 volunteers (4200 knees) longitudinally evaluated with CT and MRI at different stages of osteoarthritis disease progression (healthy, early disease stage, late disease stage). Our models accurately predict bone mechanical behavior. It is unclear how well they predict cartilage mechanical behavior. OBJECTIVES: The proposed research program aims to advance our finite element modeling technique by addressing the following short term research objectives, with a focus on the patellofemoral joint (region under kneecap): [OBJECTIVE 1] Develop valid representations of cartilage thickness, volume and area, as well as contact area, within our finite element model; [OBJECTIVE 2] Validate non-invasive predictions of cartilage stiffness and contact stress offered by the finite element model; [OBJECTIVE 3] Characterize measurement errors for non-invasive estimates of contact stress as well as cartilage thickness, volume, surface area and contact area. Developments arising from this research will support long-term objectives focused on developing a complete finite element model of the knee incorporating bone, cartilage and all supportive structures (menisci, ligaments). IMPACT: This research will enable large scale finite element modelling of bone, cartilage and articulating joints, thereby advancing subject-specific finite modelling closer to clinical application and practice. This research will train highly qualified personnel to pursue careers in natural science and engineering research and industry where developed technical skills are highly sought. In addition, we will collaborate with clinical researchers to apply the developed techniques to further understanding of the role of mechanics in etiology, prognosis and prevention of degenerative joint disease. These techniques, and related knowledge, can provide bases for developing new diagnostic tools for early disease detection.

提案动机：我们的研究小组开发骨，软组织和关节的特定主题的有限元模型。这些模型采用临床成像工具（如CT和MRI）来定义组织几何形状和材料特性。使用这些工具，我们最近观察到受膝关节炎（一种使人衰弱的关节疾病）影响的人与膝关节健康的人之间骨应力的显著差异。这些发现导致与多中心骨关节炎研究（MOST）的研究人员合作，研究2100名志愿者（4200个膝关节）在骨关节炎疾病进展的不同阶段（健康，早期疾病阶段，晚期疾病阶段）通过CT和MRI纵向评估的骨应力和应变。我们的模型准确地预测骨力学行为。目前还不清楚它们预测软骨机械行为的效果如何。 目的：拟议的研究计划旨在通过解决以下短期研究目标来推进我们的有限元建模技术，重点是髌股关节（膝盖骨下区域）：[目的1]在我们的有限元模型中开发软骨厚度、体积和面积以及接触面积的有效表示;[目的2]利用有限元模型无创预测软骨刚度和接触应力;[目的3]表征接触应力以及软骨厚度、体积、表面积和接触面积的无创估计的测量误差。这项研究的发展将支持长期目标，重点是开发一个完整的膝关节有限元模型，包括骨，软骨和所有支持结构（踝关节，韧带）。影响：这项研究将使骨，软骨和关节的大规模有限元建模，从而推进特定主题的有限建模更接近临床应用和实践。这项研究将培养高素质的人才，从事自然科学和工程研究以及高度寻求发达技术技能的行业。此外，我们将与临床研究人员合作，应用开发的技术进一步了解力学在退行性关节疾病的病因，预后和预防中的作用。这些技术和相关知识可以为开发用于早期疾病检测的新诊断工具提供基础。