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Development and validation of a novel ankle joint musculoskeletal model

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Abstract

An improved understanding of contact mechanics in the ankle joint is paramount for implant design and ankle disorder treatment. However, existing models generally simplify the ankle joint as a revolute joint that cannot predict contact characteristics. The current study aimed to develop a novel musculoskeletal ankle joint model that can predict contact in the ankle joint, together with muscle and joint reaction forces. We modelled the ankle joint as a multi-axial joint and simulated contact mechanics between the tibia, fibula and talus bones in OpenSim. The developed model was validated with results from experimental studies through passive stiffness and contact. Through this, we found a similar ankle moment-rotation relationship and contact pattern between our study and experimental studies. Next, the musculoskeletal ankle joint model was incorporated into a lower body model to simulate gait. The ankle joint contact characteristics, kinematics, and muscle forces were predicted and compared to the literature. Our results revealed a comparable peak contact force and the same muscle activation patterns in four major muscles. Good agreement was also found in ankle dorsi/plantar-flexion and inversion/eversion. Thus, the developed model was able to accurately model the ankle joint and can be used to predict contact characteristics in gait.

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Acknowledgements

The current study was funded by the Edmonton Orthopaedic Research Committee.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Tao Liu & Nadr Jomha

  2. School of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland

    Andrea Dimitrov

  3. Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Samer Adeeb

  4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Marwan El-Rich

  5. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Lindsey Westover

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  1. Tao Liu
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  2. Andrea Dimitrov
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  4. Samer Adeeb
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Correspondence to Tao Liu.

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Appendix 

Appendix 

Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1 Inertial parameters for the body segments included in the model (adopted from Anderson and Pandy (1999))
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Table 2 Properties of ligaments included in the model
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(The ligament model used is based on the work of Blankevoort et al., (1991). The unit of stiffness is newton per unit of strain. Transition strain has the unit of strain. Slack length is in meter).

Figures 7 and 8

Fig. 7
figure 7

Variations of ligament force during gait

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Fig. 8
figure 8

Three translational movements of talus during gait (positive X is in anterior direction, positive Y is in superior direction, positive Z is in lateral direction)

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Liu, T., Dimitrov, A., Jomha, N. et al. Development and validation of a novel ankle joint musculoskeletal model. Med Biol Eng Comput 62, 1395–1407 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-023-03010-x

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