Biomechanical Modelling to Characterize Soft Tissue Contributions to Hip Joint Stability and Loading Mechanics

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Background. A healthy and well-functioning musculoskeletal system is paramount for our population's overall health, increasing life expectancy, healthcare system, and sustainable economy. An improved understanding of musculoskeletal hip joint function can help better characterize the mechanical performance and injury mechanisms in healthy subjects. Although soft tissue contributions of muscles and ligaments are fundamental to mobilize and stabilize the hip joint, it is unclear how we can incorporate them into computational models and simulations to better examine subject-specific joint mechanics and adverse loading conditions. Objectives. The long-term goal of this interdisciplinary research program is to implement a biomechanical modelling and simulation framework to characterize subject-specific soft tissue contributions to the hip joint. To achieve this, we will develop 3D strain mapping imaging techniques to examine the contributions of soft tissues towards joint loading and stability. Subject lower-limbs will be scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while a custom joint loading ergometer will apply a known load to the hip. Loading conditions will be parameterized to understand which soft tissue components contribute to dynamic stability. We will develop multi-dimensional diffusion imaging techniques to examine soft tissue architecture and relationships between fibre orientation and joint stability. A novel diffusion tensor imaging method will be formulated for the weighted MRI sequences to examine soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, capsular/cruciate ligaments). This will examine relationships between individual material properties of tissue anisotropy and contractile directions. We will develop a computational simulations package to examine joint loading mechanics and the adverse conditions under dynamic soft tissue loading. The dynamic strain mapping and diffusion tensor imaging analyses will be used to reconstruct robust subject-specific multiscale musculoskeletal and finite element simulations to examine dynamic hip joint stability and determine the adverse conditions for failure. Impact. The most important findings will help scientists and engineers further understand the soft tissue complexities of a healthy and stable hip joint. This will also help equip allied health clinicians to administer adequate pre/rehabilitation protocols and regiments, as they will learn which soft tissues are responsible for stability. This will also equip surgeons to perform the best and safest subject-specific surgery for optimal function and recovery, as they will learn which tissue structures to safely remove or avoid during hip arthroplasty or arthroscopy surgery. The program will train students to advance novel dynamic joint loading, biomechanical imaging, and computational modelling and simulations techniques as well as prepare them for diverse career paths that necessitate multidisciplinary science and engineering experience.