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The effect of elbow joint centre displacement on force generation and neural excitation

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Abstract

Joint centre displacement may occur following total elbow replacement due to aseptic loosening or surgical misalignment, and has been linked to implant failure. In this study, the effects of joint centre displacement were examined using a neuromusculoskeletal model of the elbow joint. Isometric contractions were simulated at a range of joint angles during elbow flexion and extension. Displacement of the joint centre affected the force-generating capacity about the joint, due to changes in both muscle lengths and moment arms. The magnitude and direction of the maximum joint reaction force were also altered, potentially contributing to aseptic loosening and compromising joint stability. The relationship between force generated and the level of neural excitation to the elbow flexor and extensor muscles was also affected, suggesting that altered neural control patterns could be required following joint centre displacement.

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Acknowledgments

This project was supported by the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI), administered by the Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA), and by a research grant from DePuy Orthopaedics Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland

    Emer P. Doheny, Madeleine M. Lowery, Mark J. O’Malley & David P. FitzPatrick

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  1. Emer P. Doheny
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  2. Madeleine M. Lowery
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  3. Mark J. O’Malley
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  4. David P. FitzPatrick
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Correspondence to Emer P. Doheny.

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Doheny, E.P., Lowery, M.M., O’Malley, M.J. et al. The effect of elbow joint centre displacement on force generation and neural excitation. Med Biol Eng Comput 47, 589–598 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-009-0488-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-009-0488-2

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