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A Validated Open-Source Shoulder Finite Element Model and Investigation of the Effect of Analysis Precision

Annals of Biomedical Engineering volume 51, pages 24–33 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract

Understanding the loads and stresses on different tissues within the shoulder complex is crucial for preventing joint injury and developing shoulder implants. Finite element (FE) models of the shoulder joint can be helpful in describing these forces and the biomechanics of the joint. Currently, there are no validated FE models of the intact shoulder available in the public domain. This study aimed to develop and validate a shoulder FE model, then make the model available to the orthopaedic research community. Publicly available medical images of the Visible Human Project male subject’s right shoulder were used to generate the model geometry. Material properties from the literature were applied to the different tissues. The model simulated abduction in the scapular plane. Simulated glenohumeral (GH) contact force was compared to in vivo data from the literature, then further compared to other in vitro experimental studies. Output variable results were within one standard deviation of the mean in vivo experimental values of the GH contact force in 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, and 45° of abduction. Furthermore, a comparison among different analysis precision in the Abaqus/Explicit platform was made. The complete shoulder model is available for download at github.com/OSEL-DAM/ShoulderFiniteElementModel.

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded by the FDA Critical Path Initiative. Graduate student supplemental funding was provided through a grant from the NSF Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) program for experiential learning through non-academic research internships facilitated through the Center for Disruptive Musculoskeletal Innovations (CDMI). Disclaimer: The mention of commercial products, their sources, or their use in connection with material reported herein is not to be construed as an actual or implied endorsement of such products by US DHHS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Bioengineering and Orthopaedics, Engineering Center for Orthopaedic Research Excellence (E-CORE), The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA

    Sara Sadeqi & Vijay K. Goel

  2. Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Division of Applied Mechanics, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Building 62 Room 2210, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA

    Sara Sadeqi, Andrew P. Baumann & Stacey J. L. Sullivan

  3. Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Product Evaluation and Quality, OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices, DHT6A: Division of Joint Arthroplasty Devices, Shoulder Arthroplasty Devices Team, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA

    Victoria Lilling

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  1. Sara Sadeqi
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Correspondence to Andrew P. Baumann.

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Sadeqi, S., Baumann, A.P., Goel, V.K. et al. A Validated Open-Source Shoulder Finite Element Model and Investigation of the Effect of Analysis Precision. Ann Biomed Eng 51, 24–33 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-022-03018-8

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