Torsional deformities and overuse injuries: what does the literature tell us

Overuse injuries imply the occurrence of a repetitive or an increased load on a specific anatomical segment which is unable to recover from this redundant microtrauma, thus leading to an inflammatory process of tendons, physis, bursa, or bone. Even if the aetiology is controversial, the most accepted is the traumatic one. Limb malalignment has been cited as one of the major risk factors implicated in the development of overuse injuries. Many authors investigated correlations between anatomical deviations and overuse injuries, but results appear mainly inconclusive. Establishing a causal relationship between mechanical stimuli and symptoms will remain a challenge, but 3D motion analysis, musculoskeletal, and finite element modelling may help in clarifying which are the major risk factors for overuse injuries.

Download Full-text

Finite-element modelling of mechanobiological factors influencing sesamoid tissue morphology in the patellar tendon of an ostrich

Royal Society Open Science ◽

10.1098/rsos.170133 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (6) ◽

pp. 170133 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kyle P. Chadwick ◽

Sandra J. Shefelbine ◽

Andrew A. Pitsillides ◽

John R. Hutchinson

Keyword(s):

Finite Element ◽

Patellar Tendon ◽

Finite Element Modelling ◽

Compressive Strain ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Tissue Differentiation ◽

Mechanical Stimuli ◽

Element Modelling ◽

Multiple Regions ◽

Three Dimensional Models

The appearance and shape of sesamoid bones within a tendon or ligament wrapping around a joint are understood to be influenced by both genetic and epigenetic factors. Ostriches ( Struthio camelus ) possess two sesamoid patellae (kneecaps), one of which (the distal patella) is unique to their lineage, making them a good model for investigating sesamoid tissue development and evolution. Here we used finite-element modelling to test the hypothesis that specific mechanical cues in the ostrich patellar tendon favour the formation of multiple patellae. Using three-dimensional models that allow application of loading conditions in which all muscles, or only distal or only proximal muscles to be activated, we found that there were multiple regions within the tendon where transformation from soft tissue to fibrocartilage was favourable and therefore a potential for multiple patellae based solely upon mechanical stimuli. While more studies are needed to better understand universal mechanobiological principles as well as full developmental processes, our findings suggest that a tissue differentiation algorithm using shear strain and compressive strain as inputs may be a roughly effective predictor of the tissue differentiation required for sesamoid development.

Download Full-text

Computer-aided design and finite-element modelling of biomaterial scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences ◽

10.1098/rsta.2009.0024 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 367 (1895) ◽

pp. 1993-2009 ◽

Cited By ~ 65

Author(s):

Damien Lacroix ◽

Josep A. Planell ◽

Patrick J. Prendergast

Keyword(s):

Tissue Engineering ◽

Finite Element ◽

Computer Aided Design ◽

Finite Element Modelling ◽

Current Approach ◽

Mechanical Stimuli ◽

Element Modelling ◽

Computer Aided ◽

Biomaterial Scaffolds ◽

Aided Design

Scaffold biomaterials for tissue engineering can be produced in many different ways depending on the applications and the materials used. Most research into new biomaterials is based on an experimental trial-and-error approach that limits the possibility of making many variations to a single material and studying its interaction with its surroundings. Instead, computer simulation applied to tissue engineering can offer a more exhaustive approach to test and screen out biomaterials. In this paper, a review of the current approach in biomaterials designed through computer-aided design (CAD) and through finite-element modelling is given. First we review the approach used in tissue engineering in the development of scaffolds and the interactions existing between biomaterials, cells and mechanical stimuli. Then, scaffold fabrication through CAD is presented and characterization of existing scaffolds through computed images is reviewed. Several case studies of finite-element studies in tissue engineering show the usefulness of computer simulations in determining the mechanical environment of cells when seeded into a scaffold and the proper design of the geometry and stiffness of the scaffold. This creates a need for more advanced studies that include aspects of mechanobiology in tissue engineering in order to be able to predict over time the growth and differentiation of tissues within scaffolds. Finally, current perspectives indicate that more efforts need to be put into the development of such advanced studies, with the removal of technical limitations such as computer power and the inclusion of more accurate biological and genetic processes into the developed algorithms.

Download Full-text